NTT DOCOMO provides the i-mode Disaster Message Board Service (in Japanese and English versions) to check on the safety of loved ones with mobile phone in the event of a major disaster.

When a major disaster does occur, the service becomes available with a link added to the top iMenu reading "Disaster Message Board" in English.

With the Disaster Message Board Trial Service, you can practice posting and checking messages.

The function to confirm others’ conditions using their mobile phone numbers has been enhanced.
If no messages are registered from the mobile phone number of the person you wish to check the condition of, you can request that person register his or her information.
(A Disaster Message Board Request Mail is sent from the Disaster Message Board Center to the person you wish to register a message. However, this is limited to i-mode subscribers.)

Detailed Settings (Screen Images)

Service Overview

Startup

The service is launched when an earthquake from lower six or greater on Japan’s seismic intensity scale or similar disaster occurs.

Areas from which Messages may be Posted

The area in which the disaster occurs

noticeFor details about the areas from which messages may be posted, see the Disaster Message Board.

Number of Messages that may be Posted

Ten messages may be posted per phone number.

noticeWhen more than ten messages are posted, the oldest messages are overwritten in sequence.

Message Content

  • Condition (users can select from the four options below, each in Japanese and English)
    Japanese version:
    English version:"I’m okay", "Need Help", "Safe at home", "At evacuation area"
  • Message (up to 100 full-size or 200 half-size characters)

noticeMessages can be posted without selecting a condition option. Multiple condition options may be selected.

Message Storage Period

Messages will be saved until the service is deactivated for the individual disaster.

E-mail Addresses that may be Registered to Receive Notifications of Posted Messages (Up to Five Addresses)

  • i-mode mail addresses
  • Internet e-mail addresses (including e-mail addresses of other carriers’ mobile phones)

noticeNotifications are automatically sent to addresses within the Family Discount group.

Areas from where Messages may be Checked

Messages may be checked from anywhere in the country where i-mode service is available.
Messages can also be checked from PHS phones or personal computers.

Usage Charges and Packet Communications Charges

No charges applynotice.

  • noticePacket communications charges apply when accessing disaster message boards provided by other carriers.
  • noticePacket communications charges apply when accessing the service from overseas.
  • noticeSending notification mail is free, but packet communications charges apply when receiving and replying to the notification.
  • noticePacket communications charges apply when accessing the "Disaster/Crime Prevention and Medical Service" (in Japanese only) in the i-mode menu.

Others

If you are using the i-mode Disaster Message Board Service and wish to transfer the subscription of your mobile phone, please check the messages posted on the Disaster Message Board before taking the procedures for the transfer of subscription. After checking the messages, delete them as necessary. Please note that the person to whom the subscription is transferred will be able to check the messages if they are not deleted.

The message board can only be accessed when the service is activated. Please note that it cannot be accessed at any other time.

Detailed Settings (Screen Images)

View details on how to make settings (screen images).

noticeAll settings and screen images shown are for the English version of the Disaster Message Board.

Detailed Settings (Screen Images)

Using Your Mobile Phone when a Disaster Occurs

When an earthquake or other disaster occurs, the sudden overflow of phone calls can make it very difficult to establish a connection within the area of the disaster. This prevents people from being able to check on the safety of loved ones and from getting in touch with the fire departments and police.
As a telecommunications carrier, we are working hard to secure effective lines of communication through such means as the i-mode Disaster Message Board, appropriate network controls, and providing priority telephone links in a disaster.
However, to ensure the smooth connection of emergency calls within the disaster area, we would ask for your understanding and cooperation by refraining from making non-emergency calls, and waiting a few minutes between each attempt to make a call rather than using the redial function.

For more information about using the phone in a disaster, please see the Telecommunications Carriers Association (TCA) website.

Page will open in a new window.Telecommunications Carriers Association (in Japanese only)

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