Yorisoi Hotline for Foreign Residents

The Yorisoi Hotline (よりそいホットライン) is a free, confidential national helpline available to anyone in Japan. Operated by the Social Inclusion Support Center and subsidized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, it provides support for a wide range of concerns. One of its most valuable features for foreign residents is its dedicated foreign-language service, allowing callers to speak with someone in their own language rather than only in Japanese. For families facing a difficult situation, it can be a reassuring first place to turn.

The toll-free number is 0120-279-338. After the initial voice guidance, press 2 to access the foreign-language service. Support is available every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm from anywhere in Japan. Languages include English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, and others, although language availability may vary depending on the time of day. Residents of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima should instead call 0120-279-226.

The hotline offers support for many different situations, including concerns about visas and immigration, work, family relationships, discrimination, daily living, domestic violence, and other difficult or distressing circumstances. All consultations are confidential. The service also provides specialist support for women experiencing violence, LGBTQ+ individuals, young women, parents with concerns about raising children, and people experiencing severe emotional distress or thoughts of suicide.

For people who prefer not to make a phone call, consultations are also available through Facebook Messenger and a secure online chat service, both accessible from the English-language pages of the website.

The Yorisoi Hotline is a nationwide service provided by phone, messaging, and online chat rather than at a physical location. With multilingual support and English-language information, it is one of Japan’s most accessible helplines for foreign residents seeking advice, support, or someone to talk to.