Last Updated: June 2026
Complete specifications for Japanese passport applications issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Includes size, background, expression, and recency requirements for adult and child passports.
Complete official photo specifications. Meet every requirement to avoid costly application delays.
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Size | 35×45mm | Width 35mm, Height 45mm exactly |
| Head Size | 34±2mm | Approx. 70–80% of frame height |
| Background | Plain white or light plain | No patterns or shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Eyes open, facing directly forward |
| Glasses | Not Allowed | Removed since 2020 Ministry update |
| Head Coverings | Not Allowed | Except religious/medical reasons |
| Recency | Within last 6 months | No older than 6 months |
| Color | Color Required | No black & white accepted |
| Quantity | 1 photo required | Attach to the application form |
| Border | No border | Full bleed to edges of photo paper |
| Face Coverage | Face takes up 70–80% of frame | Chin to top of head aligned centrally |
| Print Quality | Matte or glossy photo paper | No inkjet paper |
Japanese passport applications are submitted at your local city/ward office (shiyakusho) or a prefectural passport center, not at a national government facility.
Japan requires the face to occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height. The gap above the head and below the chin is carefully measured by immigration officers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated guidelines in 2020 to prohibit all glasses. This aligns Japan with ICAO international standards.
Unlike many countries, Japan requires just one passport photo (not two). Attach it to the application form — no second copy needed.
Child passports (5-year) have the same photo requirements. Infants must have eyes open and visible, but a slight mouth-open expression is sometimes accepted for babies.
Professional passport photos in Japan typically cost ¥700–¥1,200 at convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson) with photo booths. The ProShoot tool is free.
Follow these steps to generate a compliant, print-ready Japan passport photo in minutes.
Use a plain white or very light wall as your background. Ensure even lighting from the front. Look directly at the camera — not at the screen — with a neutral expression and closed mouth.
Choose 'Japan' from the country selector. The tool applies 35×45mm dimensions and a light plain background meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs standards. The face-to-frame ratio is verified automatically.
Japan is strict about the face occupying 70–80% of the frame. Use the compliance checker to verify. Crop adjustments can be made manually if needed.
Download and print one 35×45mm photo on matte or glossy photo paper. Attach to your passport application form (ichou) and submit at your municipal ward office or passport center.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Japan passport photo requirements.
Applying for visas across multiple countries? Check exact requirements for each.
Key details about Japan passport processing, fees, and where to submit your application.
Run through every item before printing and submitting. Each point is a potential rejection reason.
These are the most frequent reasons for passport photo rejection. Avoid them to ensure first-time acceptance.
Japan specifically requires that both ears be clearly visible. Pull hair back to expose both ears before taking your photo.
All glasses have been prohibited since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated guidelines in 2020, aligning Japan with ICAO standards. Remove all eyewear.
Japan verifies that the face occupies 70–80% of the 45mm frame height. Subjects who stood too far back or too close produce photos outside this range.
Passports in Japan are not issued at national government offices — they're issued at your local ward (ku) or city office, or at prefectural passport centers. The location is tied to your registered address (jyuumin hyo).
First-time passport applicants need a copy of their family register (koseki touhon) or residence certificate. Renewals typically only need the old passport.
Japan requires photo-quality paper. Convenience store photo booths (FamilyMart, Lawson, 7-Eleven) produce correctly formatted photos. Home printing on plain paper is not accepted.
Applying for multiple passports or visas? See how Japan's photo requirements compare to other popular destinations.
| Country | Photo Size | Background | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 33×48mm | White background | 2 photos required |
| South Korea | 35×45mm | White background | 2 photos required |
| Australia | 35×45mm | Light plain background | 2 photos + certification |
| Schengen/EU | 35×45mm | Light plain background | 2 photos required |
Requirements updated June 2026. Always verify with the official issuing authority before submitting your application.
Our network of professional photographers can take your passport photo in person with guaranteed compliance for Japan applications.