Japan
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 1 document type.
Helpful pages for document photos in Japan
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for a Japanese passport, your photograph must strictly adhere to the standards set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These regulations are designed to ensure high-quality biometric identification for international travel. As Japan maintains rigorous ICAO compliance, your photo must be professional and clearly identifiable, making the use of tools like idpic.app a convenient way to ensure your image meets all necessary technical specifications.
The mandatory size for a Japanese passport photo is exactly 35mm wide by 45mm high, with the head occupying 32mm to 36mm of the frame. You must provide a clear, high-resolution image against a plain, off-white or white background with no shadows or patterns. Facial expressions should be neutral with eyes open and looking straight ahead, while glasses are not allowed. Religious head coverings are permitted, provided they do not obscure facial features.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:5ea86219§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
While most Japanese passport applications are submitted in person at local prefectural passport offices, the digital file requirements remain critical for online pre-registration or digital renewals. If you are uploading a photo, it must be in JPEG format with a file size typically restricted to under 10MB. Always ensure the resolution is sufficient for printing, as the office will eventually require physical prints that meet the 35mm by 45mm standard.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in Japan involve improper head positioning or distracting shadows on the white background. Many applicants fail because their hair obscures parts of their eyebrows or eyes, which violates the strict biometric visibility rules. Additionally, poor lighting that creates a grey or uneven background tone is a common cause for administrative delay, so ensure your lighting is balanced and perfectly flat before submitting your application.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
For the most reliable results, you can use the ubiquitous 'purikura' style photo booths found at train stations and convenience stores, which often have a dedicated passport mode. These booths generally cost around 800 to 1,000 yen and provide an instant printout that meets official standards. Alternatively, for a more cost-effective approach, you can take a photo at home with a smartphone and use idpic.app to crop and format the image correctly before printing it yourself.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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