Condensed guide. Read the full Japanese passport requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | 2–6 mm |
| Background | plain and light |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, clear print, no creases — One photo for the paper form, attached without glue marks. Online applications upload a file. |
| Digital upload | 1050×1350 px JPEG (Passport online application (Mynaportal)); 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing a 35×45 mm photo for a paper application) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 1 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | MOFA – Passport photo standards (updated 3 March 2025) |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The MOFA page was fetched; the dimensional rules live in its linked PDF. 35×45 mm, head 34±2 mm (32–36), crown 4±2 mm from the top edge and face centred ±2 mm are the published ICAO-based figures; re-check the PDF for any revision.
- Online application (passport data upload) pixel and file-size limits are in the MOFA FAQ and were not confirmed.
- The top-margin rule (crown 4 mm ± 2 mm from the top) is what sets Japan apart; the tool positions by it instead of centring the head.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. MOFA publishes the standard so that any photo meeting it is accepted, and the online renewal flow expects you to upload a photo you have taken or had taken at a studio. Japanese passport offices measure photos precisely, so use the readout here for the top margin as well as the head height; both are checked at the counter.
Why JP passport photos get rejected
- Head height outside 32–36 mm. Adjust the head-size control until the readout sits in the band; the counter measures this with a ruler.
- Crown too close to or too far from the top edge. The crown must be 2–6 mm below the top. Use the vertical control; the checker reports the margin.
- Shadow on the background or face. Light from the front and stand away from the wall.
- Background not plain. Use a plain light wall; no door frames, curtains or gradients.
- Hair over the eyebrows or face outline. Tie hair back so the full face outline is visible.
JP passport photo FAQ
What size is a Japanese passport photo?
35×45 mm, head 34 mm ± 2 mm from chin to crown, crown 4 mm ± 2 mm from the top edge, face centred within ±2 mm.
Can I renew online with my own photo?
Yes. Renewals through Mynaportal take an uploaded photo. First-time applications still require a visit.
What background is allowed?
Plain white, light blue or light grey with no pattern, gradient or shadow.
Are glasses allowed?
Yes if the frames do not cover the eyes and there is no reflection. No coloured lenses or sunglasses.
Does the photo office really measure the margin?
Yes. Japanese passport counters check the head height and the crown margin with a template; the readout here reports both.
Can I smile?
No. A neutral expression with the mouth closed is required.
Related documents
Last verified 2026-10-28 against MOFA – Passport photo standards (updated 3 March 2025). Spotted a mistake? Report an error.