Japan Passport Photo Tool
It’s now possible to get Japanese passport photos without the drive to the photo studio—all in 3 minutes start to finish.
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Japanese Passport Photo—Specifications
Size
35x45 mm
Head size
32–36 mm in height
Background color
White or light blue
Digital dimensions
≥ 827x1063 px
Resolution
≥ 600 dpi
Recency
≤ 6 months
Simon Wojtyczka is a writer with experience living and working in 7 countries, each adding depth to his work. Holding a Master's in Applied Linguistics, he has a profound grasp of language and its intricate ties to culture.
Karolina is a seasoned legal expert with a Master of Law and legal advisor credentials, specializing in passport photo compliance. She ensures adherence to international standards set by entities like the US Department of State and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Equipped with her advocate license and extensive legal background, she brings a unique blend of legal acumen and technical knowledge. Her expertise is pivotal in navigating the intricate and rigorous standards set by key global authorities. Her approach, marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of international law, ensures stringent adherence to the evolving passport and visa photo regulations worldwide.
Japanese Passport Photos—All You Need to Know
Are you living in the US and need a photo for a Japanese passport? Discover all the important information about getting Japanese passport photos in the US, including the requirements, finer details (e.g., Japanese passport photo size in pixels), and where to buy them in person and online.
Understanding Japanese passport photo requirements
Japanese passport photos have requirements that differ from US passport photos.
Readers can find the official guidelines posted in PDF format and available via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Here at Passport Photo Online, we’ve prepared this detailed guide to inform you about all the Japanese passport photo requirements—with photo examples. This way, you can feel confident your photo meets all the official guidelines mandated by Japanese passport agents.
Japanese Passport Photos Explained
| Requirement | Physical Prints & Digital Photos |
| Color | In color and showing the applicant’s natural skin tone |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Image clarity | Clear image of the subject’s face, not blurry, grainy, or pixelated. Lighting must be evenly distributed with no glare or shadows present |
| Filters | Common social media filters of any kind are strictly prohibited |
| Background | Uniform background with no gradation present; either white, off-white, or light blue in color |
| Size | 35 mm in width by 45 mm in length (1.38” x 1.77”). The head must be between 32 mm–36 mm (1.26”–1.42”). A 2 mm–6 mm (0.08”–0.24”) gap from the top of the head to the edge of the photo is also mandatory |
| Print Quality | Printed on photo-quality paper |
| Resolution | Minimum of 600 DPI |
| Digital Alterations | Strictly prohibited |
📝 Note: Digital photos must have a minimum resolution of 827x1063 pixels.
The fine details: specifics of Japanese passport photos
Besides the technical details mentioned above, there are also finer details that must be followed to ensure compliance with official requirements. Check out the following list to make sure your Japanese passport photo doesn’t break the rules:
- Smile: Neutral expression with the mouth closed. Smiling is not allowed
- Eyes: Must be open and depict the subject’s natural eye color (contact lenses changing the eye color are prohibited). Hair, false eyelashes, or eyelash extensions cannot obscure the eyes in any way
- Glasses: Thick-rimmed or tinted glasses are not allowed. Eyes must be in focus
- Headgear: None allowed unless for religious purposes; cannot obscure the face in any way
- Attire: Cannot blend in with the background
- Beard: Permitted
- Head position: Centered and facing the camera. Portrait-style photos are strictly prohibited
- Negative space: 2 mm–6 mm (0.08”–0.24”) of space between the top of the subject’s head and the top border of the photo. This doesn’t apply to subjects with voluminous hair
Important! Japanese passport applications require the submission of two passport photos.
Japanese passport photo sizing details
Japanese passport photos must be the correct size (35x45 millimeters). Since most in-store photo centers located in the US only provide 2x2” passport photos, finding a reliable provider may be difficult.
Additionally, Japanese biometric photographs must have a width of 35 mm and a length of 45 mm (1.38” x 1.77”). Furthermore, the head must be between 32 mm and 36 mm (1.26”–1.42”).
Lastly, the negative space rule, i.e., the 2 mm–6 mm (0.08”–0.24”) gap from the top of the head to the edge of the photo (unless the subject’s hair has a lot of volume) is an important aspect that cannot go overlooked by readers or passport photo technicians.
Non-compliant passport photos for Japan
With all these strict regulations for Japanese passport photos, it may be easier to follow some of the more important rules with picture examples. Study the table below for what to avoid when snapping a picture for a Japanese passport:
Or let Passport Photo Online take care of everything—you just point and shoot, and we’ll provide you with a 100% compliant Japanese passport photo in minutes!
Japanese passport photos online
National pharmacy chains such as Walgreens and CVS may offer Japanese passport photos at specific locations—but do you want to risk getting non-compliant passport photos with all these confusing sizing requirements?
Luckily, there is another way.
Now you can get quality Japanese passport photos entirely from home. Moreover, you can be sure your pictures will be compliant with the official requirements.
In 3 minutes or less, Passport Photo Online delivers two Japanese passport photos directly to your inbox—all done with only a few taps on your smartphone.
Best of all, every photo has an acceptance guarantee, so you can rest easy knowing Japanese passport agents will accept your picture.
Excellent and fast service! Immensely helpful, easy to navigate! We used this service for both my daughter and my Japanese passport photos, which are very strict with details.
Tracy Kad
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Biometric photos.
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The best option is to take this photo at home.
Use our online photo tool, which adjusts your photo to the requirements.
FAQ
Search “Japanese passport photo near me” in your favorite search engine to find a few local providers offering Japanese passport photos.
Passport Photo Online’s service is another option, as it will deliver Japanese passport photos directly to your inbox in only 3 minutes!
Readers wishing to take Japanese passport photos have several options:
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Visit a national pharmacy chain or independent photo studio and have your photo taken.
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Try to navigate the official requirements while snapping your own Japanese passport photo.
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Use your smartphone and Passport Photo Online to get a compliant passport photo in 3 minutes or less.
A Japanese photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm long (1.38” x 1.77”). The subject’s head must be between 32 mm and 36 mm (1.26”–1.42”). A 2 mm–6 mm (0.08”–0.24”) gap from the top of the head to the edge of the photo is also mandatory.
Japanese passport photo requirements are extensive. For instructions in English, click on the link mentioned earlier. Alternatively, you can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for a full list of guidelines (in Japanese) with picture examples.
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