Japan Passport Photo Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide
Detailed guide to Japanese passport photo specifications as required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, including dimensions, background rules, and appearance guidelines.
Overview
Japanese passport photos must conform to the standards established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan. Japan follows ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidelines, and its photo requirements are strictly enforced at passport offices across the country.
You will need a compliant passport photo when applying for a new Japanese passport, renewing your current passport, or applying for a travel document. Japanese passports come in two validity periods: 10 years (burgundy cover) for applicants aged 18 and over, and 5 years (navy blue cover) for those under 18 or anyone who prefers a shorter validity.
Japan is known for particularly strict photo standards. Even minor issues like slight tilts of the head, subtle shadows, or incorrect sizing can result in rejection. It is worth taking extra care to ensure full compliance.
Official Specifications
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Document | Passport |
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Background | Light / neutral |
| Head height | 32–36 mm |
The standard Japanese passport photo measures 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and must accurately represent the applicant’s current appearance.
MOFA specifies precise positioning: the head height from chin to crown must be between 32 mm and 36 mm. The face must be positioned in the centre of the photo. The distance from the top of the photo to the top of the head should be between 2 mm and 6 mm.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 35 mm x 45 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Top margin (photo edge to head top) | 2–6 mm |
| Background | Plain, light colour (white, light grey, or light blue) |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Print quality | High resolution, no visible grain |
Background Requirements
The background must be plain and uniform in a light colour. MOFA accepts white, light grey, and light blue backgrounds. Patterned, textured, or gradient backgrounds are not permitted.
There must be no shadows on the background. The Japanese passport office is particularly strict about this: even faint shadows near the shoulders or behind the head will lead to rejection.
- Acceptable colours: white, light grey, light blue
- No patterns, gradients, or textures
- No shadows anywhere on the background
- No other objects or people visible in the background
- Sufficient contrast between the subject and the background
Japanese Photo Booths
Japan has widespread photo booths (shashin-ki) at train stations and convenience stores that produce ICAO-compliant passport photos. However, these can be expensive at 800–1,000 yen per set. Using Passlens at home is a more affordable alternative.
Clothing and Appearance
The applicant must face the camera directly with a neutral expression. The mouth must be closed, and both eyes must be fully open and clearly visible. The face must be evenly lit with no harsh shadows.
Glasses
As of 2024, MOFA recommends removing glasses for passport photos. While not an absolute ban, photos with glasses are more likely to be rejected due to reflections, frame shadows, or the frames obscuring part of the eyes. If you must wear glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and the frames do not cover any part of the eyes or eyebrows.
Head Coverings and Hair
Head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for religious reasons. Hair must not cover the face, eyes, or eyebrows. The hairline and ears should ideally be visible, though this is not a strict requirement as long as the full face is clearly shown.
Clothing
There are no strict rules about clothing colour, but it is recommended to wear clothing that contrasts with the background. Avoid white or very light clothing if using a white background, as it may blend in. Uniforms and costumes are not recommended.
How to Make It with Passlens
Creating a compliant Japanese passport photo is straightforward with Passlens. The app automatically applies the precise sizing and positioning rules required by MOFA.
- Open Passlens and select the Japan Passport preset.
- Take a new photo or upload one from your gallery. Ensure even lighting and face the camera directly.
- Passlens will detect your face, apply the correct 35x45 mm crop, and ensure your head height falls within the 32–36 mm range.
- The background will be automatically cleaned to a uniform light colour that meets MOFA standards.
- Review your photo, then download the digital file or arrange printing on 4x6 photo paper (typically yields 4 passport photos per sheet).
Where to Submit
Japanese passport applications are processed through prefectural passport centres and select municipal offices across Japan.
Within Japan
Apply at your local prefectural passport centre (pasupoto senta). Each prefecture has designated offices, often located in or near the prefectural government building. Processing takes approximately 6 business days for standard applications. You will need your photo, completed application form (available online or at the passport centre), family register (koseki tohon), and identification.
Outside Japan
Japanese citizens abroad should apply at their nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate General. Overseas processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks but can be longer depending on location. Some consulates accept applications by mail for renewals.
Japan does not currently offer fully online passport applications, though a partial online pre-registration system has been introduced in some prefectures. You will still need to submit your photo in person.
Common Mistakes
Japanese passport offices have a reputation for being meticulous. Here are the most common rejection reasons:
- Head tilt: Even a very slight tilt of the head to one side will be rejected. The face must be perfectly straight and centred.
- Incorrect head size: The 32–36 mm range is strictly enforced. Photos where the head is even 1 mm outside this range are rejected.
- Background shadows: Shadows behind the head or near the shoulders are one of the top reasons for rejection in Japan.
- Hair covering eyes or eyebrows: Bangs (fringe) that partially cover the eyes or eyebrows are not acceptable.
- Glare on glasses: Reflections on eyeglass lenses are extremely common in home-taken photos and almost always result in rejection.
- Mouth slightly open: The mouth must be fully closed. Even a parted-lips expression is not accepted.
- Photo printed at wrong size: Printing at home can lead to scaling errors. Always verify the printed dimensions with a ruler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo booth (shashin-ki) photo for my Japanese passport?
Yes, the photo booths found at train stations and convenience stores across Japan are designed to produce ICAO-compliant photos. However, they typically cost 800–1,000 yen and you cannot retake the photo if the expression or positioning is slightly off. Passlens offers unlimited retakes at no extra cost.
Is a white background acceptable for a Japanese passport photo?
Yes. White, light grey, and light blue are all accepted background colours. White is the most commonly used. Just ensure there is adequate contrast between the background and your skin and hair.
Can I wear coloured contact lenses in my Japanese passport photo?
No. Coloured contact lenses, patterned lenses, and circle lenses that alter the natural appearance of your eyes are not permitted. Clear corrective contact lenses are fine.
Do I need to show my ears in a Japanese passport photo?
It is not strictly required to show your ears, but the full face including the hairline and jawline must be visible. If long hair covers the sides of your face, you may be asked to pull it back. Having the ears visible generally reduces the risk of rejection.