Do this now

Follow these steps in order.

  1. 01

    Wait until an operator, facility or local authority confirms that 00000JAPAN has been activated in the affected area.

  2. 02

    Open Wi-Fi settings and select the exact SSID 00000JAPAN—five zeroes followed by JAPAN.

  3. 03

    Use the connection for JMA information, evacuation guidance and brief messages to family.

  4. 04

    Avoid banking, shopping and unnecessary account logins; disconnect and turn off automatic reconnection when finished.

What to know

Free does not mean nationwide or always on

00000JAPAN reuses participating public Wi-Fi infrastructure or temporary disaster access points. You must be within range of an active access point. Activation can be limited to the affected region and may begin after the earthquake rather than at the instant shaking starts.

What to know

No Japanese mobile contract is required

A Wi-Fi-capable phone, tablet or computer can connect regardless of which mobile company you use. This includes many foreign visitors and people using roaming, eSIMs or other carriers. No normal subscriber login is required when the disaster SSID is open.

What to know

Treat it as an open, unencrypted network

The network is designed for easy emergency access and does not provide normal Wi-Fi encryption. Use official apps and HTTPS pages, avoid entering payment or identity information, and do not download large files. A malicious person may also imitate an open SSID, so confirm activation with the facility or operator when possible.

What to know

Reduce congestion for everyone

Send one concise message that states your status, location and next plan. Avoid video calls, high-resolution uploads and repeated refreshes. Save screenshots of official instructions so you do not need to stay connected.

If that does not work

Use the fallback.

  • If 00000JAPAN is not visible, move only to a safe staffed facility or announced access point—do not cross a hazardous area just to find Wi-Fi.
  • Use TV, radio, public announcements, station displays or a hotel's fixed connection when available.
  • If there is immediate danger, call 110 or 119; an internet connection is not a substitute for emergency services.

Before you need it

Save this offline.

  • The exact spelling: 00000JAPAN
  • JMA and Safety tips links
  • Family contact and a prewritten status message
  • Power bank and charging cable

Primary evidence

Official sources used

Open these pages again before travel. External links lead to the responsible Japanese authority or transport organization.

Wireless LAN Business Promotion Liaison Committee — 00000JAPANOfficial program background and operating framework for Japan's unified disaster Wi-Fi SSID.
Wireless LAN Business Promotion Liaison Committee — 00000JAPAN user guidanceOfficial security precautions for using the open emergency Wi-Fi network.
KDDI — Public Wi-Fi 00000JAPANCarrier instructions explaining eligibility, connection steps and the absence of a password.
Japan Tourism Agency — Safety tips appOfficial app information for multilingual earthquake, tsunami, evacuation and other disaster notifications.