Passport Photo Maker

Japan Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Rules & How to Take

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) applies some of the strictest passport photo standards in the world. A single misstep — the wrong head size, a shadow behind your ear, or a slight head tilt — can send you back to the photo booth. This guide covers every Japanese passport photo requirement so you can get your application accepted the first time.

Official Japan Passport Photo Size

The Japanese passport photo must be exactly 45mm tall by 35mm wide. Unlike the US square format, Japan uses the international ICAO portrait format.

Key dimensions:

  • Photo size: 35 x 45 mm (width x height)
  • Head height: 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown of head
  • Top margin: 4 to 8 mm of space above the head
  • Eye position: Eyes should sit roughly 28-32 mm above the bottom edge

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. MOFA rejects any photo that appears older than that window or shows significant differences in hairstyle, weight, or facial features.

Background and Lighting

Japanese passport photos require a plain, light-colored background — typically white or very light grey. The background must have no patterns, textures, shadows, or objects.

  • Use even, diffused lighting from the front to eliminate shadows on your face.
  • Stand at least 50 cm from the background wall so that no shadow falls behind your head.
  • Avoid coloured walls, curtains, or cluttered indoor scenes.

Any visible shadow on the background — even a faint one near the neck or shoulders — is a common reason Japanese passport photos get rejected.

Facial Expression and Head Position

MOFA requires a neutral expression with mouth closed and both eyes clearly visible. Smiling, even subtly, is not allowed.

  • Face the camera directly with your head straight (no tilting).
  • Keep both eyes open and focused on the lens.
  • Hair must not cover the eyes, eyebrows, or the outline of the face.
  • The full face from the top of the head to below the chin must be visible.

Glasses Policy

Japan does not ban glasses outright, but the rules are strict:

  • No glare or reflections on the lens surface.
  • No thick frames that obscure your eyes or face outline.
  • No tinted, coloured, or sunglasses — clear lenses only.
  • Eyes must be fully visible, including the pupils and iris.

In practice, most Japanese photo studios recommend removing glasses to avoid rejection entirely.

What to Wear

There is no formal dress code, but a few practical rules apply:

  • Wear a plain, dark-coloured top to contrast with the light background.
  • Avoid white or very pale clothing that blends into the background.
  • No uniforms (including school uniforms for student applicants).
  • Hats and head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for religious reasons, and even then, your full face must be visible.
  • Earrings and minor jewelry are generally allowed but should not draw attention away from the face.

Digital Photo Requirements (Online Renewal)

Japan now allows online passport renewal through the My Number Portal (マイナポータル). For digital submissions:

  • File format: JPEG
  • Minimum resolution: 480 x 600 pixels
  • Recommended resolution: 900 x 1125 pixels or higher
  • Maximum file size: 7 MB
  • Aspect ratio: Must match the 35:45 portrait format
  • Color mode: 24-bit color (sRGB)

The photo must be unretouched. Any beauty filter, skin smoothing, or colour adjustment will cause the system to flag the image.

How to Take a Japanese Passport Photo at Home

You can take a compliant photo at home with a smartphone and some preparation:

  1. Set up a plain white wall or hang a white sheet at least 50 cm behind where you will stand.
  2. Use natural daylight from a large window or two soft lamps placed at 45-degree angles in front of you.
  3. Position the camera at eye level — use a tripod or ask someone else to take the photo. Selfies distort facial proportions and are often rejected.
  4. Stand about 1.5 m from the camera and look directly at the lens.
  5. Take multiple shots with a neutral expression, eyes open, and mouth closed.
  6. Crop and resize to 35 x 45 mm with the head taking up 32-36 mm vertically.

You can use our free Japan passport photo tool to verify compliance and auto-resize the image.

Where to Get a Passport Photo in Japan

If you prefer in-person service, Japan has several convenient options:

  • Convenience store photo booths (ID Photo Box, ピクチャン): Available in many 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart stores. Cost: 700-1,000 yen.
  • Ki-oSK passport photo machines: Found in train stations and shopping centers. Cost: around 800 yen for six prints.
  • Camera shops (Bic Camera, Yodobashi, Kitamura): Professional service with digital backup. Cost: 1,500-2,500 yen.
  • Photo studios (shashin-kan): Highest quality with retouching advice. Cost: 2,000-5,000 yen.

Most convenience store machines and camera shops now offer digital download codes so you can use the same photo for both printed submission and online renewal.

Common Reasons Japanese Passport Photos Get Rejected

  • Head size outside the 32-36 mm range.
  • Shadows on the background behind the head or ears.
  • Slight smile or open mouth.
  • Hair covering any part of the eyes or eyebrows.
  • Beauty-mode filter applied by a smartphone.
  • Zairyu card (residence card) photo submitted by mistake — residence card and passport photos have similar sizes but different positioning.
  • Glasses with visible glare or thick frames.
  • Photo taken more than 6 months ago.
  • Digital retouching or editing.

Japan Passport Photo for Indian and Other Foreign Applicants

Foreign nationals renewing a passport at an Indian embassy, Chinese consulate, or other foreign mission in Japan typically follow their home country’s specifications, not Japan’s — but the photo must still meet international ICAO standards. Double-check with your embassy before printing.

Tips for a Successful Japanese Passport Photo

  • Take the photo in the morning when natural light is soft and even.
  • Use a measuring tape or printable template to verify head height before printing.
  • Avoid heavy makeup that might obscure your features.
  • Tie back long hair so the outline of your face is clearly visible.
  • Review the photo on a large screen before submitting — small preview screens hide details that MOFA reviewers will catch.

Next Steps

Ready to create your Japan passport photo? Use our free Japan passport photo tool to take a photo at home, verify it meets official MOFA requirements, and download it in the correct 35 x 45 mm size. The photo is processed entirely in your browser for privacy, and the result can be used for both printed applications and online My Number Portal submissions.