Japan Passport photo requirements
Japanese passport photos are 45 x 35 mm (height x width), borderless, taken within 6 months of applying, with the face 34 ± 2 mm from the top of the head to the chin, 4 ± 2 mm of space above the head and 7 ± 2 mm below the chin. White background recommended.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 71.1–80% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain white (pale blue also accepted) |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing | Not offered; we crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-11-06 |
Official source: www.mofa.go.jp
How to take your Japan Passport photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain white (pale blue also accepted) wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a Japan Passport photo in pixels?
- 413 x 531 px, JPEG, on a plain white (pale blue also accepted) background. The printed size is 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in). The head should take up 71.1–80% of the photo height.
- How recent must a Japanese passport photo be?
- It must be taken within 6 months of the application date. Write your name on the back, without pressing hard enough to mark the front.
- Can I wear glasses?
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends taking them off. If you keep them on, there must be no tint, reflection or shadow, and the frames must not cover your eyes. Sunglasses and non-prescription tinted glasses are not suitable unless medically needed.
- Are coloured contact lenses or false eyelashes allowed?
- No. Coloured lenses and lenses that enlarge the iris are not suitable, and hair, glasses, false eyelashes or eyelash extensions must not come into the area around your eyes.
- Can I edit the photo or use a phone camera app?
- Avoid beauty filters: enlarged eyes, skin whitening, and removed moles or wrinkles are not suitable. Check for mirroring too, because some camera apps flip the image left to right, and flipped photos are not suitable.
- What background should I use?
- White is recommended. Pale blue and similar backgrounds are also accepted, but not gradients, patterns or anything showing behind you.
- How do I take a baby's photo?
- The baby's eyes must be open, and no part of a helper can show. If the baby can't sit up, lay them on a white sheet and take the photo from directly above.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/passport/ic_photo.html. Last verified: 2026-11-06.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.