What size is a Japanese passport photo in 2026?

The official Japanese passport photo size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches). This size has not changed in 2026.

What are the head size requirements for a Japan passport photo?

The head must measure 32-36 mm from the top of the head to the chin, with the face occupying approximately 70-80% of the photo height.

Can I wear glasses in my Japanese passport photo?

No, glasses are not allowed in Japanese passport photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription and tinted glasses.

What background color is required for a Japan passport photo?

A plain white or very light grey background with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind you. Uniform lighting is required.

Can I take my Japanese passport photo at a convenience store?

Yes. Many Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) have photo booths that produce 35x45mm passport-compliant prints for 700-900 yen.

How recent must my Japanese passport photo be?

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and accurately reflect your current appearance.

Is the Japanese zairyu (residence) card photo the same size as the passport photo?

No. The zairyu card photo is 30 x 40 mm, while the passport photo is 35 x 45 mm.

Can I smile in my Japan passport photo?

No. A neutral expression with closed mouth is required. Smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows will cause rejection.

Japan Passport Photo

Size & Requirements 2026 · Last updated: 2026-05-11

Photography Guidelines

1 Taken within the last 6 months
2 Plain white background with no shadows
3 Front-facing with neutral expression
4 No glasses, hats, or head coverings
5 Face clearly visible from top of head to chin
6 No digital retouching or beauty filters

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wearing glasses

Glasses are not allowed in Japanese passport photos

Background not plain white

Must be a plain white background with no gradients or patterns

Digital retouching

Beauty filters and digital modifications are not permitted

How to Take Your Photo

Three ways to get a compliant photo — choose what works for you.

DIY at Home

Take it yourself with a camera or smartphone — the cheapest option.

1 Stand against a plain, smooth, light-colored wall with even daylight from the front.
2 Use a tripod or steady surface so the camera is level with your eyes, ~1.5 m away.
3 Wear normal clothes that contrast with the background and remove glasses or hats.
4 Keep a neutral expression with closed mouth and both eyes clearly visible.
5 Take several shots, pick the sharpest, then crop to the official size and DPI.
6 Save as the required file format and check file-size limits before submitting.

Using Your Smartphone

Best lighting, framing, and tips for iPhone and Android.

1 Use the rear camera (higher quality) and ask someone else to take the photo.
2 Stand 1–1.5 m from a plain wall; turn off flash and use natural daylight.
3 Tap to focus on the face and lock exposure so lighting stays consistent.
4 Frame head and shoulders so the head fills 50–70% of the height.
5 Avoid filters, beauty mode, and HDR — they distort facial features.
6 Crop to the exact ratio in a free tool, export at the required DPI.

With Our Online Service

Upload a photo and get a compliant version in seconds.

1 Upload any clear, recent photo — selfie or full-body works.
2 Our AI auto-detects the face, removes the background, and applies the correct color.
3 It crops to the exact official dimensions for your selected document.
4 A compliance check flags head size, expression, lighting, and shadow issues.
5 Preview the result and retake free if anything looks off.
6 Download the digital file or order printed copies.

Price Comparison

Common ways to get a passport photo, side by side.

Provider	Cost	Delivery	Notes
DIY at Home	Free	Instant	Requires a printer for hard copies
Local Photo Studio	$10–$20	Same day	Quality varies; not always compliance-checked
Pharmacy / Retailer	$10–$15	Same day	Convenient, but limited retake policies
Our Online Service	Free preview	Instant	AI compliance check, free retakes

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PhotoGov

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Frequently Asked Questions

Official References

Information on this page is based on the following official sources:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Passport Photos