Japanese passport photo requirements

Japanese passport photos follow the ICAO standard closely: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, the head 34 mm ± 2 mm from chin to crown, the crown 4 mm ± 2 mm below the top edge, and the face centred within 2 mm of the horizontal middle. The background must be plain with no shadows or pattern, and the photo must have been taken within six months. Since 2023 renewals can be lodged online through Mynaportal with an uploaded photo.

Make and check a JP passport photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.

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.

How to take the photo

1. Use a plain wall in white, light blue or light grey. The rule is no pattern and no gradient, with clear contrast to your hair.
2. Face a window for even light, stand half a metre from the wall and switch off the flash so there is no shadow or reflection.
3. Someone else takes the photo from about 1.5 metres at eye level, including the shoulders and leaving space above the head. The tool positions the crown 4 mm from the top.
4. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the lens. Hair must not cover the eyebrows or the outline of the face.
5. Glasses are allowed if the frames do not cover the eyes and there is no reflection; coloured lenses and thick frames are refused.
6. No hats, headbands, wireless earbuds or large earrings. Religious head coverings are accepted if the face from chin to forehead is visible.

Why JP passport photos get rejected

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Shadow on the background or face. Light from the front and stand away from the wall.
4. Background not plain. Use a plain light wall; no door frames, curtains or gradients.
5. Hair over the eyebrows or face outline. Tie hair back so the full face outline is visible.
6. Glasses reflecting light. Remove them or move the light source to the side.
7. Photo older than six months. Take a new one.

Infants and children

Lay the baby on a plain white or light-coloured sheet and photograph from directly above so the face is level. The eyes should be open where possible, but MOFA treats infant expression leniently and allows a slightly off-centre head. Nobody else, including a supporting hand, may be in the frame.

Step by step: Passport online application via Mynaportal

1. Log in to Mynaportal with your My Number card and start the passport renewal application.
2. Upload the photo file at the photo step. The app shows guide lines for the head and crown position; the JPEG from this tool is framed to match them.
3. Upload a signature image and submit. Collect the passport in person at the passport centre.

Open Passport online application via Mynaportal

What it costs

A photo booth in Japan charges ¥800–1,000 and a studio ¥1,500–3,000. Abroad, a shop charges A$17–25 or US$15–17. Our Single licence (A$6.99 / ¥ equivalent charged in your currency) gives you the online file and print sheets for 30 days.