How to Prepare Your Japanese My Number Card Photo
Get your Japanese My Number Card photo ready by following official size and file rules. You can use the tool above to crop your image quickly.
Official Size and Basic Rules
Your Japanese My Number Card photo must measure 35 by 45 mm, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1]. You must take the photo within the last six months to reflect your current appearance[1].
J-LIS allows color and black-and-white photos[1]. One photo is submitted by mail or at a counter, while online applicants upload a JPEG file[1].
Taking the Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Stand about one to two meters away from a plain wall. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture from your eye level.
Face a window or use soft indoor lamps to light your face evenly. Keep your facial expression neutral and close your mouth. Look straight into the camera lens without tilting your head.
Background and Lighting Guidelines
The official requirements state that you must use a plain white or off-white background for your photo[1].
To get a clean shot at home, check that no shadows fall behind you on the wall. Avoid busy patterns, textured walls, or objects in the background.
Head and Face Specifications
The official guidelines do not set a specific head height measurement for this card[1]. You should center your head naturally within the frame.
The standard calls for a front-facing photo with no hat; J-LIS describes exceptions for religious or medical reasons[1]. Its examples show that glasses should not obscure the eyes or cause glare[1].
Rules for Children and Infants
J-LIS provides guidance for infant photos: take the picture from the front, with the child lying on a plain, light-colored sheet, and keep any assisting person out of the image[1].
The card can be issued to children, and no separate infant photo dimensions are specified[1].
Digital File Requirements and Uploads
For an online application, upload a JPEG file in RGB color, between 20 KB and 7168 KB[1].
In addition to the file size limits, online uploads require your image dimensions to be between 480 and 6000 pixels in each direction[1]. You can submit your photo by mail, at a counter, or through the online portal[1].
Preparing Your Print Sheet
You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the exact 35 by 45 mm dimensions. The tool formats your picture onto a standard 4 by 6-inch sheet.
Take your printed sheet to a local photo kiosk or print it at home on photo paper. Cut the photo carefully along the crop lines before you submit it with your application.
Before You Go
Before you submit your application by mail or go to the municipal office, check your photo one more time. Make sure the lighting is bright, your eyes are open, and the cut matches the exact size rules.
If the municipal government or local authority takes the photo for you at the counter, you do not need to bring your own print. Check your local office rules before your visit.
Frequently asked questions
What size does my My Number Card photo need to be?
The official photo size is 35 by 45 mm, or 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Can I submit a black-and-white photo?
Yes, black-and-white photos are fully accepted for the Japanese My Number Card[1].
What are the file size limits for online applications?
Your digital JPEG file must be between 20 KB and 7168 KB in size[1].
Are infants required to follow special photo rules?
J-LIS gives infant-photo guidance: photograph the child from the front while lying on a plain, light-colored sheet, and keep any assisting person out of the image[1].
Can I wear a hat or head covering?
Headwear is generally not allowed, but J-LIS describes exceptions for religious or medical reasons[1].