This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
00000JAPAN, pronounced “Five Zero Japan,” is free public Wi-Fi activated during emergencies such as disasters and major communications outages. The network name starts with five digit zeros, not the letter O. It is useful to know about when travelling in Fukuoka or elsewhere in Japan, but it is not an everyday tourist Wi-Fi service.
Before connecting
- Use it only where a participating provider has activated the service. It is not always available.
- It is not restricted to customers of one mobile carrier; your device must support Wi-Fi.
- Keep use to essential tasks such as telling family you are safe and checking emergency information.
- The Wi-Fi connection is not encrypted. Avoid banking, online shopping and entering personal details until a trusted connection is available.
Check where the service is currently active
Participating providers open access points in affected areas during disasters or major network outages. A prefecture or facility that offered 00000JAPAN in a past emergency is not necessarily offering it now.
Check the official activation notices and announcements from the facility or communications provider. Even within an activated area, you must be within range of a participating Wi-Fi access point. It does not provide mobile-network-style coverage everywhere.
How to connect on your phone
When you are within range, use your phone’s normal Wi-Fi settings. Menu names vary by operating system and device.
- Open Settings and turn on Wi-Fi.
- Select 00000JAPAN from the network list. Check that the first five characters are zeros.
- Once connected, send essential safety messages or check information such as local-government emergency notices.
- Switch back to mobile data or trusted Wi-Fi when available. If you no longer need this network, turn off automatic joining in your device settings.
00000JAPAN does not normally require an ID or password. Do not enter a bank PIN or card details, or install an unfamiliar app, merely because a network uses this name.
Security precautions on an unencrypted Wi-Fi network
Wi-Biz, the Wireless LAN Business Promotion Association, explains that 00000JAPAN does not provide Wi-Fi encryption so people can connect easily in an emergency. It recommends limiting use to essential safety checks and information gathering. Unprotected communications may be intercepted.
If a login or another sensitive task is unavoidable, Wi-Biz recommends taking protective measures yourself, such as using a security-protected dedicated app, HTTPS or a VPN. Do not treat the availability of free Wi-Fi as a reason to continue routine online shopping or banking.
Read Wi-Biz’s precautions for users for the security advice, or au’s 00000JAPAN FAQ for an explanation of the network shown in your Wi-Fi settings.
Service and safety guidance checked October 16, 2026. Active locations and availability periods depend on the particular disaster or outage; check the latest notices.
