Japan’s Free Disaster WiFi service — “00000Japan”

Stay connected even when communication lines are down

Damage from Typhoon Faxai (台風１５号) in September 2019 (Photo: MSN)

Sending, sharing and accessing information is critical in emergency situations.

If your area is hit by a major disaster, there’s a high chance that mobile communications networks will go down due to either damage to infrastructure or overcrowding.

After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for example, I only managed to get through to my family after using Skype, as phone services were out of action.

Introductory video about 00000Japan (in English)

This is an example of how Japan’s free disaster WiFi service “00000Japan” (Five Zero Japan) can help those affected by large-scale disasters, whether it be flooding or an earthquake.

It’s a free service that anyone using any phone carrier (including low-cost carriers) can benefit from, as long as your device can connect to WiFi.

Most recently, 00000Japan was deployed in Chiba in the wake of Typhoon Faxai (台風１５号) in September 2019, enabling people to send and access essential information.

Communications company “au” announces that 00000Japan services will be provided in Chiba post-Typhoon Faxai.

How to use

If your phone lines are down, simply open up your WiFi settings on your smartphone or laptop and keep an eye out for 00000Japan (it should pop up on top of the list as the name starts with “00000”).