What HELPNET does

HELPNET, legally 株式会社 日本緊急通報サービス (Japan Mayday Service Co., Ltd.), operates Japan's primary automatic and manual emergency reporting service for vehicles. Founded in 2000 under the national Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) public-private initiative, the company runs a 24/7/365 nationwide operator center that connects vehicle occupants directly to Japanese police (110) and fire/ambulance (119) dispatch centers, transmitting real-time GPS coordinates, vehicle registration data, and sensor information including automatic crash notifications triggered by airbag deployment and manual SOS button activations.

The company's core technical platform consists of a dedicated operator center directly integrated by voice and data with all 52 police headquarters and all 732 fire department headquarters nationwide (with data-level connections to approximately 431 of the fire departments as of 2017-2018). HELPNET's flagship product is complemented by D-Call Net®, an advanced automatic crash notification system that calculates injury severity probability from crash impact data and coordinates early doctor helicopter (HEM-Net) deployment. A mobile-phone-based emergency reporting extension covers au GPS phones and smartphones. The service is delivered entirely through B2B OEM/embedded and insurance telematics distribution rather than direct consumer sales.

HELPNET's business model is a B2B embedded licensing arrangement with automotive manufacturers and insurance companies. The service is bundled as a built-in feature by Toyota (T-Connect), Lexus (standard on all models), Honda (Internavi), Nissan (SOS Call), Mazda (Emergency Call), Subaru (STARLINK), Mitsubishi Motors, and Suzuki (Connect), and is incorporated into telematics insurance products by Sompo Japan, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance. End consumers do not purchase HELPNET directly; revenue flows through per-vehicle or per-policy licensing fees embedded in OEM and insurer pricing. The company also holds JIPDEC Privacy Mark certification (since March 2014) and operates with a lean headcount of 11-50 employees from its Tokyo headquarters in Akasaka, Minato-ku. As of September 2018, the service supported over 1.5 million subscribers, processing approximately 16,700 reports in fiscal year 2016.

Name

HELPNET

Legal name

株式会社 日本緊急通報サービス

Website

https://helpnet.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HELPNET operates Japan's leading automatic and manual emergency reporting service for vehicles, connecting drivers directly to police and fire dispatch via a 24/7 operator center. The service is embedded by all major Japanese automotive OEMs and bundled into telematics insurance products, reaching over 1.5 million subscribers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Connected Vehicle Emergency Response Services

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Towing (488410)

SIC

Transportation Services (4700), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Roadside Emergency Communications & Dispatch (Call Boxes, 511 Integration) (TLAJAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Emergency Dispatch, Call Center Monitoring & Response Services (HSAHAHAG), Roadside Assistance & Towing Memberships (Bundled with Service Contracts) (FSAJALAL)

Keywords

• Emergency reporting services
• Vehicle crash notification
• Connected vehicle safety
• Automotive emergency response
• Telematics emergency services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. OEM/Embedded Service Licensing to Automotive Manufacturers: HELPNET earns revenue by licensing its emergency reporting service to automotive manufacturers (Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi Motors, Suzuki) who bundle it as a standard or optional feature in their connected vehicle platforms (e.g., Toyota T-Connect, Lexus, Honda Internavi). Revenue flows indirectly to end consumers through vehicle pricing, with manufacturers paying for the infrastructure and operator services.
2. Insurance Company Partnerships: HELPNET is adopted by insurance companies (Sompo Japan, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, Aioi Nissay Dowa) as part of their driver assistance and safety-oriented insurance products. The service is integrated into telematics/driver monitoring programs offered to policyholders, with insurance companies compensating HELPNET for the connectivity and operator services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

HELPNET operates a 24/7 automatic and manual emergency reporting service for vehicles that connects vehicle occupants directly to Japanese police (110) and fire/ambulance (119) dispatch centers via a dedicated operator center, transmitting GPS location and sensor data in real time. The service is embedded as a safety feature in vehicles sold by major Japanese automotive manufacturers (Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Suzuki) and bundled into telematics-based insurance products by leading Japanese insurers. HELPNET also operates D-Call Net®, an advanced crash notification system that calculates injury severity and coordinates doctor helicopter dispatch.

Product overview

HELPNET is a unified emergency reporting service operated by Japan Mayday Service Co., Ltd. The core HELPNET service provides automatic and manual emergency reporting for vehicles, directly connecting to police (110) and fire department (119) command centers across Japan. The service integrates with vehicle manufacturer connected services (Toyota T-Connect, Honda Internavi, Nissan SOS Call, Mazda Emergency Call, Subaru STARLINK, Suzuki Connect, Mitsubishi Connect) and insurance company services. An adjunct system, D-Call Net®, analyzes crash impact data to calculate injury severity and coordinate early doctor helicopter deployment. The company also offers mobile phone-based emergency reporting through au phones and smartphone applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HELPNET®: Emergency call service for vehicles that automatically or manually connects drivers to emergency services (police and fire) with vehicle location data.

Products and services

• HELPNET Emergency Reporting Service Automatic and manual emergency reporting service for vehicles that directly connects to police (110) and fire department (119) command centers nationwide via a 24/7 operator center. Uses vehicle GPS and sensor data to transmit location and accident information to rescue coordination centers. Embedded as a safety feature in vehicles sold by major Japanese automotive manufacturers (Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Suzuki) and bundled into telematics-based insurance products.
• D-Call Net® Advanced Automatic Crash Notification Advanced automatic crash notification system that calculates injury severity probability from crash impact data and coordinates early doctor helicopter (HEM-Net) deployment by notifying hospitals and fire services. Operates as the communication infrastructure for the D-Call Net® system, supported by 9 organizations including major automotive manufacturers.
• HELPNET Mobile Phone Service Emergency reporting service for mobile phones, including au GPS phones and smartphone applications, allowing users to report emergencies from non-vehicle contexts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 16,700 reports from members received in fiscal year 2016, with about 2,300 cases connected to police, fire, or road rescue services.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Toyota Motor CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET serves as the emergency notification service embedded in Toyota T-Connect connected vehicle platform. When a crash is detected or the SOS button is pressed in a Toyota vehicle, the system automatically connects to HELPNET operators who relay vehicle location and data to emergency services. This is a long-standing strategic relationship covering Toyota's mass-market connected vehicle ecosystem.
• Lexus (Toyota Motor Corporation)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET is equipped as a standard feature in all Lexus vehicles. Lexus represents the premium tier of Toyota's automotive business, and the company's universal adoption across the entire Lexus lineup underscores the premium safety positioning of HELPNET.
• Honda Motor Co., Ltd.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET is available through Honda Internavi-compatible car navigation systems. Honda's integrated navigation and connected services platform incorporates HELPNET for automatic and manual emergency notification to police and fire services.
• Nissan Motor CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET was adopted for Nissan's advanced SOS Call system. Nissan began incorporating HELPNET in March 2019, with the new Nissan Days being one of the first models to feature the system.
• Mazda CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET was adopted for Mazda's Mazda Emergency Call system, announced in September 2019. Mazda integrated the service into its connected vehicle ecosystem to enhance driver safety across its model lineup.
• SUBARU CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET is adopted in SUBARU STARLINK connected service, providing automatic crash notification and emergency support. SUBARU began integrating HELPNET around 2018-2020 as part of its connected safety strategy.
• Mitsubishi Motors CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET was adopted in Mitsubishi vehicles including the new Outlander PHEV model launched in October 2021. Mitsubishi's integration of HELPNET supports its connected car strategy focused on safety features.
• Suzuki Motor CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET was adopted in Suzuki's connected service Suzuki Connect, with the partnership announced in December 2021. Suzuki integrates HELPNET to provide emergency notification capabilities across its vehicle range.
• Sompo Japan (損保ジャパン)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET is adopted in Sompo Japan's Driving! telematics insurance program (adopted September 2021). Insurance company partnerships enable HELPNET to reach members through safety-oriented insurance products that bundle connected car emergency services.
• Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (三井住友海上火災保険)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET adopted in Mitsui Sumitomo's 'Mimamoru Car Insurance (Premium DR)' dashcam-type telematics product from January 2022. The partnership connects HELPNET's emergency infrastructure with Mitsui Sumitomo's insurance customer base.
• Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance (あいおいニッセイ同和損害保険)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHELPNET adopted in Aioi Nissay Dowa's 'Tough Guardian Car Insurance Plus (Dashcam model)' in May 2022. This partnership brings HELPNET to Aioi Nissay Dowa's extensive policyholder base as a connected safety feature in their insurance offerings.
• D-Call Net Association (救急自動通報システム D-Call Net®)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHELPNET serves as the communication infrastructure for the D-Call Net advanced automatic crash notification system. D-Call Net calculates injury severity probability from crash data and can trigger doctor helicopter (HEM-Net) dispatch. The system expanded nationally in June 2018 and is now supported by 9 organizations including major automotive manufacturers.
• National Police Agency / 警察庁 (via infrastructure connections)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHELPNET's operator center is directly connected to all 52 police headquarters nationwide, enabling direct voice and data transmission of emergency information. This government infrastructure relationship is fundamental to the service's operation and represents a multi-agency public-private partnership built under Japan's ITS initiative.
• Fire and Disaster Management Agency / 消防庁 (via infrastructure connections)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHELPNET's operator center is directly connected to all 732 fire department headquarters nationwide, with data-level connections established with approximately 431 fire departments. The service coordinates with the national fire emergency response infrastructure to ensure rapid dispatch of ambulances and fire vehicles.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Bosch eCall / Accident Reconstruction: Bosch provides eCall systems, accident reconstruction, and connected mobility solutions as a Tier-1 automotive supplier globally. As a major technology enabler, Bosch represents a potential global alternative to HELPNET for OEMs seeking standardized emergency call technology.
• LexisNexis Risk Solutions (Connected Car / Telematics): LexisNexis Risk Solutions provides data and analytics infrastructure used by insurance telematics programs — comparable to HELPNET in serving insurance companies' driver safety and emergency response needs, though focused on data/analytics rather than operator-dispatched emergency services.
• Continental AG (eCall solutions): Continental supplies eCall control units and telematics control units to global OEMs as a Tier-1 supplier. While not a direct service competitor, Continental represents the type of global supplier that Japanese OEMs may turn to for embedded emergency call infrastructure.

Direct peers

• OnStar (General Motors): OnStar is GM's embedded vehicle emergency response, crash notification, and stolen vehicle assistance service — the most direct international analog to HELPNET, with similar automatic crash notification, GPS location transmission, and operator dispatch to emergency services. Both serve as OEM-embedded safety layers.
• Octo Telematics (Octo Group): Octo is a leading insurance telematics and connected vehicle data provider integrated with major European insurers, mirroring HELPNET's dual OEM-and-insurance distribution model. Both sell emergency/incident response infrastructure to insurers for inclusion in policyholder offerings.
• Mercedes-Benz mbrace: Mercedes-Benz's mbrace connected vehicle service offers automatic crash response, SOS emergency call, and operator-dispatched emergency services — closely paralleling HELPNET's 24/7 operator center model and direct-to-emergency-services architecture in the luxury/premium OEM segment.
• BMW eCall / Connected Drive: BMW's eCall system provides automatic emergency call (eCall) and manual SOS functionality in BMW vehicles, with direct dispatch to local emergency services — comparable to HELPNET's airbag-triggered automatic notification and SOS button functionality, though operating in EU/global markets.

Broad incumbents

• Vodafone Automotive: Vodafone Automotive provides connected car services including eCall, stolen vehicle tracking, and insurance telematics across global markets. As a broader telecom incumbent, it competes with HELPNET in OEM-embedded emergency services while also offering fleet management and broader IoT services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HELPNET