Japan Passport Photo
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) · Passport
For the best photo: a plain face, looking straight at the camera, even light with no shadows, and no glare on glasses. Stand in front of a plain light wall.
The official rules
From the government's own website, checked September 2026. Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Head size | Crown to chin 34 mm plus or minus 2 mm (32–36 mm), borderless. |
| Background | Plain. White is recommended. Pale blue is still accepted. No gradients or dark colours. |
| Expression | Facing the front, head straight. Nothing covering the eye area. |
| Glasses | A photo without glasses is recommended. If worn: no tint, reflection or shadow, and frames must not block the eyes. No coloured contact lenses. |
| Head coverings | No hat, except for religious or medical reasons with the face outline visible. |
| How recent | Taken within 6 months before you apply. |
| Copies | 1 photo, with your name on the back. |
| Good to know | No patterns, gradients or dark colours behind you. |
Applying online
- Online application (My Number portal, in Japan): no pixel size given, up to 600 KB, JPG. Follow the upload steps on the official site.
- Online application (ORR net, overseas): no pixel size given, 20 KB to 2 MB, JPG, JPEG, BMP or PNG. Follow the upload steps on the official site.
Common questions
What size is a japan passport photo?
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in). Crown to chin 34 mm plus or minus 2 mm (32–36 mm), borderless.
What background do I need?
Plain. White is recommended. Pale blue is still accepted. No gradients or dark colours.
Can I wear glasses?
A photo without glasses is recommended. If worn: no tint, reflection or shadow, and frames must not block the eyes. No coloured contact lenses.
Can I smile?
Facing the front, head straight. Nothing covering the eye area.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken within 6 months before you apply.
Will my photo be accepted?
We can't promise that. The final decision is always made by the passport or visa office. This page follows their published rules, which we last checked in September 2026, so check the official page before you apply.