The complete guide to Japanese passport photo specifications — 35×45mm, plain white background, taken within 6 months. Includes ward office submission tips, My Number Card photos, and residence card requirements. Get it right the first time.
| Photo Size | 35×45mm (width × height) |
| Background | Plain white or light plain color — no patterns, no shadows |
| Head Coverage | Head (chin to crown): 27–36mm within frame; approx. 70–80% of frame |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at camera |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Format | JPEG, minimum 600 DPI for print; printed on photo paper |
Our free Japan passport photo tool automatically resizes your image to the official 35×45mm format required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA). It removes and replaces the background to plain white, checks that your head size is within the 27–36mm range, and verifies eye visibility, expression, and shadow-free lighting. Upload your photo, adjust the crop frame, and download a print-ready JPEG file in seconds. Suitable for Japanese passport applications, My Number Card submissions, and residence card renewals.
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外務省) sets strict standards for passport photograph quality and compliance. Japan adopted ICAO-aligned biometric standards, and the requirements are enforced rigorously at ward offices (区役所, kuyakusho), city halls (市役所, shiyakusho), and Japanese embassies and consulates abroad. A non-compliant photo will be returned on the spot, delaying your passport application.
The official Japan passport photo size is 35mm wide by 45mm tall. This is the same ICAO standard used by many European countries. The head (from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown, including hair) must measure between 27mm and 36mm in height within the frame. If your head is too small or too large relative to the frame, the photo will be rejected regardless of other factors. The photo must be printed on photo-quality paper — not plain printer paper.
The background must be plain white or a light plain color. MOFA specifies that there must be no patterns, gradients, decorative elements, or other objects visible in the background. Crucially, there must be no shadow on the background — a shadow cast by the subject's head is one of the most common rejection reasons in Japan. The face and hair must contrast clearly with the background.
The face must be forward-facing, looking directly at the camera. The entire face must be clearly visible: forehead, both eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. Hair must not cover the face, eyes, or eyebrows. This is a particularly important rule for applicants with longer hair or side-swept fringes — hair that covers even part of one eyebrow will cause rejection. Applicants with long hair should tie it back or arrange it so the face is fully exposed.
The expression must be neutral — no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. The mouth must be closed. Eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera lens. Squinting or looking sideways will cause rejection. The face should appear relaxed and natural.
Glasses of any kind are not permitted in Japanese passport photos. This change was implemented in line with international biometric standards. Prescription glasses, reading glasses, fashion frames, and tinted or photochromic lenses must all be removed before the photo is taken.
Any everyday clothing is acceptable. Uniforms are permitted if they are the applicant's regular attire, except that clothing which blends into the white background (white tops or very pale shirts) should be avoided, as this can make the border between the body and background unclear. Religious head coverings are permitted provided the full face remains visible.
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. A date-stamped digital file is preferred as proof of recency. The photo must be printed on photo-quality paper, not inkjet plain paper. It must be in full colour, undamaged, and free of creases, smudges, or tears. Digital editing that alters the applicant's appearance (skin smoothing, eye brightening, shadow removal beyond normal correction) is not permitted.
Japan has a distinctive administrative structure that affects how and where passport photos are submitted. Understanding the local system will help you avoid wasted trips and delays.
For most Japanese citizens, passport applications and renewals are processed at the regional passport office (旅券事務所) or, in some prefectures, at designated city or ward offices (区役所 / 市役所). You must bring your printed 35×45mm photo in person. The staff will inspect the photo on the spot before accepting your application. If the photo does not meet standards, you will be asked to return with a compliant photo — there is no way to resubmit digitally for standard paper applications.
The photo must be printed on photo paper and must not have any writing, marks, or adhesive on the face side. Write your name lightly on the reverse in pencil if required. Do not staple or clip the photo to your application form.
The My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) is Japan's national identity card, combining your 12-digit Individual Number (マイナンバー) with a photo ID. For My Number Card applications submitted through the online portal (マイナポータル), you can upload a digital photo instead of printing one. The digital photo must still meet the 35×45mm aspect ratio (approximately 480×640 pixels), plain white background, and MOFA-equivalent face position standards. The free ProShoot.io tool can output a compliant digital JPEG for My Number Card online submissions.
Foreign nationals residing in Japan hold a Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Card) issued by the Immigration Services Agency. The Residence Card photo must be 35×45mm, plain white background, taken within 3 months (stricter than the passport standard). Residence Card renewals are processed at the Regional Immigration Bureau (入国管理局). Photos must be printed on photo paper and must not be stapled to the application form.
MOFA guidelines specifically note that hair must not cover the face or distort the natural shape of the head. This means:
Japanese nationals residing abroad submit passport applications at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Photo standards are identical to domestic submissions. Many Japanese communities abroad can access Japanese-community photo studios or use the ProShoot.io online tool to prepare a compliant photo before visiting the diplomatic mission.
Japanese passport photo standards are among the most strictly enforced in Asia. Ward office staff will check photos carefully before accepting an application. Here are the eight rejection causes most frequently encountered.
Even a faint shadow behind the head is grounds for rejection. Fix: stand 1 metre from the background and ensure the background is independently lit.
Japan specifically prohibits hair over the eyes or eyebrows. Fix: tie back hair or sweep fringes to ensure the full face is visible.
Head too small or large for the 45mm frame. Fix: use the ProShoot.io tool to verify exact head measurements before printing.
Passport officers may ask when the photo was taken. Fix: always take a fresh photo and keep the dated digital file as evidence.
Any type of glasses or eyewear is prohibited. Fix: remove glasses entirely before photographing.
Plain inkjet paper prints are rejected on sight. Fix: print at a photo print shop on proper glossy or matte photo paper.
Never write on the front of the photo. Fix: write name lightly in pencil on the reverse only, if required at all.
Smiling, raised eyebrows, or looking sideways. Fix: relax your face completely, keep eyes open and aimed at the lens.
Japan has several convenient options for obtaining compliant passport photos, from high-street photo booths to professional studios and online tools.
| Option | Cost (JPY) | Turnaround | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience Store Photo Booth (証明写真機) | ¥700–¥900 | 2 minutes | Available at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson; instant print | Fixed crop — you must fit the machine's frame; no review step |
| Professional Photo Studio (写真館) | ¥1,500–¥3,000 | 20–30 min | Expert lighting, guaranteed compliance | Higher cost; may require appointment |
| Online Tool (ProShoot.io) | Free | Instant | 24/7; auto-resize; compliance check; digital or print-ready | Requires good home lighting setup |
| DIY at Home (no tool) | Free + print cost | Varies | Completely free | High rejection risk; must self-measure 35×45mm |
Japan's convenience store photo booths (証明写真機) are the most popular option — they are widely available, fast, and produce photos that generally meet the 35×45mm standard. However, they do not always accommodate people with larger or smaller head sizes well, and the background lighting is occasionally uneven. For guaranteed compliance, a professional studio or the ProShoot.io online tool is recommended.
Japanese passport applications are processed by prefectural passport offices (都道府県旅券事務所) or designated city/ward offices, depending on your registered address (住民票の住所).
For a standard adult passport renewal, you will need:
Standard processing takes approximately 7–10 business days from the date of application. Express processing is not widely available at domestic offices. Collect the passport in person at the same office where you applied — you cannot authorise someone else to collect it on your behalf.
Japanese nationals abroad apply at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Processing times vary by location but typically range from 2–4 weeks. The same 35×45mm photo standard applies. For the current fee schedule, document requirements, and office locations, visit the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website (mofa.go.jp).
"Japan's ward office staff are specifically trained to reject photos where the eyebrows are partially covered by hair. Before shooting, ask your subject to brush back any fringe — even a millimetre of coverage over one eyebrow will get it sent back."— Portrait photographer, Tokyo
"The 27mm minimum head height is stricter than people expect. Most auto-crop tools set the head too small. I always measure manually and check against a ruler before handing any photo to a client who needs it for a Japanese passport."— ID photography specialist, Osaka
"Japanese photo booths are convenient but the lighting angle inside the machine often causes a faint shadow on the background. If you need guaranteed compliance, shoot at home with a window or use a professional studio — it is worth the small extra cost."— Commercial photographer, Kyoto
"For My Number Card online applications, the digital photo must be under 20MB and between 480×640px and 6000×8000px. Make sure you have both a print-ready and a digital-ready version — they have different size requirements."— Digital photography specialist, Nagoya
"I always tell clients to wear a dark-coloured top for Japanese passport photos. The white background rule means that anyone in a white shirt can lose the shoulder-neck definition in the photo, which can look slightly odd on the final document."— Headshot photographer, Fukuoka
Connect with a verified ProShoot.io photographer who knows Japan's exact photo requirements and can guarantee compliance.