Japan · Passport / Visa Photo
Japan Passport Photo Size & Specs
A Japanese passport photo is 35×45 mm with a plain white background and the head measuring 32–36 mm from chin to crown. Japan accepts photos for both passport applications and various visa applications submitted to Japanese embassies abroad. The same spec is also used for residence cards (在留カード) for foreign residents in Japan.
Official spec
- Size
- 35×45 mm at 300 DPI
- Background
- Plain white (no other colours accepted)
- Head height
- 32 mm to 36 mm chin to crown
- At 300 DPI
- 413 × 531 px
Accepted for
- Japan passport (Japanese citizens)
- Japan visa applications (most categories)
- Residence card / Zairyu Card
- My Number card
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AI removes your background, sets the correct colour, sizes the photo to the official spec, and lays out a printable 4×6 sheet. Pro feature — $9/month flat.
Rules that get checked
- Neutral expression with mouth closed.
- No smiling — even a slight smile can fail.
- No glasses (especially for the My Number card and residence card).
- No head coverings except for religious reasons.
- Photo taken within the last six months.
Common reasons photos get rejected
These are the issues passport / visa authorities flag most often for Japan applications. Most are avoidable with a careful re-shoot or the AI background tool.
- Background not pure white.
- Smiling or showing teeth.
- Glasses with frame reflections or thick rims.
- Photo taken in colour but printed in low resolution.
- Head touching the top or sides of the frame.
FAQs
What size is a Japan passport photo in pixels?
At 300 DPI, 35×45 mm comes out to 413×531 pixels. ImageSuite outputs at this exact resolution for the Japan preset.
Can I use the photo for both the passport and the residence card?
Yes — same 35×45 mm spec. Many foreign residents use one set of photos for both.
Why is no smiling so strict in Japan?
Japanese biometric photo standards require a neutral expression for accurate facial recognition. Even a slight upturn at the corners of the mouth can cause rejection.
Where do I get photos printed in Japan?
Convenience-store photo kiosks (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) print 4×6 photo sheets for ¥30 each. Bring the file on a USB stick or print directly from the multi-copier touch screen.
Official source: verify these specs against the Japan passport authority before submitting.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/passport/ic_photo.html