Japan Passport Photo Requirements
A Japanese passport photo must be 35×45 mm with a head height of 32–36 mm on a plain white background, with a neutral expression — no smiling. This page lists the full MOFA spec and how to get it right at home.
Japan passport photo — official specifications
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (35 × 45 mm) |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 32–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom edge | Upper third of the photo |
| Background | Plain white |
| Print type | Photo paper, matte or glossy |
- • Taken within the last 6 months
- • Neutral expression — mouth closed, eyes open, no smiling
- • No glasses, hats, or head coverings
- • Photo must be a true likeness — no filters, retouching or red-eye removal
How to take a compliant Japanese passport photo
- Hang a plain white backdrop or stand against a light grey wall in even daylight.
- Look straight at the camera, mouth closed, neutral expression, both eyes open.
- Keep the full head in frame — from chin to the top of the skull — with the head centred.
- Crop to 35×45 mm with head height between 32 and 36 mm.
- Save the digital file at 600×650 px or larger for online applications.
Japanese passport photo standards explained
The Japanese passport photo standards are set by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and are strictly enforced. Every photo that does not meet these specifications is automatically rejected, regardless of how good the rest of the application is.
- Size: 35 × 45 mm — this is the standard Japanese passport photo size.
- Head height: 32–36 mm, measured from the chin to the top of the skull (not the hair).
- Background: Plain white — must be even, with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind the head.
- Expression: Neutral — mouth closed, no smiling, both eyes open and clearly visible, facing the camera directly.
- Glasses: Generally not allowed; if worn, they must have no tint or reflection.
- Head position: Centered in the frame, with the full head visible from chin to the top of the skull.
- Photo quality: Sharp focus, no motion blur, even lighting with no harsh shadows. The photo must be a true likeness — no filters, no retouching, no red-eye removal.
- Print: On real photo paper (matte or glossy).
Make your Japan passport photo free
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