Japan passport and ID photos

Photo sizes for Japan passports, ID cards, visas and licences, with a studio to make your photo.

Make your photo: Japanese passport photo (35×45 mm)

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Upload a portrait from your phone or take one with your camera.

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Photo requirements

  • Size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)
  • Head size: 32–36 mm from chin to top of head
  • Background: White, Light blue
  • Privacy: Processed on your device; the photo is not uploaded

Background

Put an accepted colour behind you. This happens on your device.

Download or print

Download a single photo, or a sheet with several copies to print at a photo kiosk.

💡 Printing tip

Save the sheet to your phone or a USB drive and order it at a photo kiosk as a standard 4×6-inch print.

Choose an ordinary photo print, not the passport photo service.

Japan documents

Passports

Japanese passport photo (35×45 mm)

Size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)

Head height: 32–36 mm

Open the 35×45 mm studio →

Japan passport photo: size, rules and printing

This page covers the Japanese passport photo (35×45 mm), also called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan passport photo. Its rules differ from other countries’ photo rules, so use the Japanese size and check the details before you submit.

Which Japan photo can you make here?

The Japanese passport photo is the only Japan document listed on this page. It is for a passport application, not a general ID card or visa photo. If you need a photo for another document, check that authority’s own instructions before using this size.

The tool above can crop a photo for this passport size and make a print sheet. You can print the sheet as an ordinary 4×6-inch photo at a kiosk. A print sheet is for paper applications; online applications need a digital image in the format accepted by the application system.

Get the size and face position right

The finished photo must be 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches). Your head, measured from chin to the top of your head, must be 32–36 mm high, with 2–6 mm between the top of your head and the top edge of the photo. The Ministry does not set an exact pixel size or a general file-size limit for the printed photo.[1]

Use the crop controls to place your face within those measurements. Check the top and chin edges after cropping. A photo can have the correct outer size but still be unsuitable if the face is too large, too small, or placed too high or low.

Choose a plain background and natural expression

The Ministry lists white and light blue backgrounds. Use an even background, and avoid objects, patterns, or strong shadows behind you.[1]

Keep a neutral expression and your mouth closed. The Ministry says to remove glasses unless there is a medical reason to wear them; check its photo notice for the conditions. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and your face must remain fully visible.[1][2]

Take a clear, recent-looking photo

For a clear picture, use soft light and keep the camera at eye level. Keep your shoulders straight and look toward the camera.

The photo must be taken within six months before you apply. Keep your face clear and in focus, and avoid a tilted head or a shadow across your face. The Ministry’s notice lists the official photo requirements.[2]

Paper and online applications differ

For a paper application, prepare the photo at 35×45 mm and follow the application office’s instructions for submitting it. The Ministry provides photo standards and a notice about submitted photos, but this page does not set a different print size for online applications.[1][2]

For an online application, the allowed image file depends on the system. My Number Portal accepts JPG files up to 600 KB; ORR Net accepts JPG, JPEG, BMP, or PNG files from 20 KB to 2 MB. The Ministry notes that ORR Net may compress an upload and return an error if the compressed file is too large.[3]

Check before you submit

Open the saved image and inspect it at full size. Confirm the 35×45 mm crop, head height, top margin, plain background, neutral expression, and visible face. For an online application, also check the file type and size against the portal you will use.[1][3]

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sets the passport photo rules, and the application office decides whether your photo meets them. If it is refused, take a new photo that fixes the stated problem and follow the office’s instructions for sending a replacement.[1][2]

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Japanese passport photo?

It is 35×45 mm, with a head height of 32–36 mm from chin to top of head and a 2–6 mm top margin.[1]

Can I wear glasses in a Japanese passport photo?

The Ministry says to remove glasses unless there is a medical reason to wear them. Check the official photo notice for the conditions.[1][2]

What background can I use?

The listed backgrounds are white and light blue.[1]

What file size does an online passport photo need?

My Number Portal accepts JPG up to 600 KB. ORR Net accepts JPG, JPEG, BMP, or PNG from 20 KB to 2 MB, and its upload process may compress the file.[3]

Does this page make Japanese ID or visa photos?

No. The only Japan document listed here is the Japanese passport photo. Check the instructions for your specific ID or visa before preparing a photo.