Japan Passport Photo Requirements
Based on the guidance published by the Consulate‑General of Japan in San Francisco.
| Specification | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Common size | 35 × 45 mm (follow official diagram) |
| Background | Plain light colour, uniform lighting |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Recency | Typically within 6 months |
Always confirm the latest rules on the official government site before you submit.
Official pages list rules; these notes highlight mistakes we see when people crop at home before online upload or print.
- Follow the official head-height diagram—phone crops that look fine can still fail Japanese size checks.
- Use a plain light background with even lighting; avoid patterned walls and heavy shadows.
- Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open; smiling can cause rejection.
- Remove tinted glasses and anything covering the oval of the face unless a religious or medical exception applies.
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Can I print my own passport photo at home?
Will a home-printed photo be accepted?
What size should I print?
What size is a Japanese passport photo?
Consular guidance typically uses a 35×45 mm style layout with strict head height and margins. Follow the official diagram rather than guessing from a phone preview.
Can I take a Japanese passport photo at home or on my phone?
Yes if the print or submission meets size, plain light background, lighting, and expression rules. Use the rear camera, stand a few steps back, and crop carefully.
Can you smile in a Japanese passport photo?
No. Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling or open mouth photos are commonly refused.
What background is required?
A plain light background with uniform lighting and no shadows. Patterned walls and busy rooms fail reviews.
Are glasses allowed in a Japanese passport photo?
Clear lenses may be accepted if eyes are visible without glare. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed.
How recent must the photo be?
Typically within the last six months and matching how you look now. If your appearance changed, take a new photo.
Can infants appear with a parent in the photo?
No. Only the applicant should appear. Supporting hands, toys, or another person in frame can cause refusal.
Should I print at home or use a lab?
Either can work if size and quality are correct. Many applicants crop digitally first, then print at a photo shop for sharper colour.
Reference: Consulate‑General of Japan in San Francisco
- • Photo dimensions and head height must follow the official diagram
- • Face centred; show full head and top of shoulders
- • Taken within the required recent period (typically 6 months)
- • Clear, sharp, and in focus; no over/underexposure
- • Plain, light background; uniform lighting; no shadows
- • Natural skin tones; no retouching or digital alterations
- • Face the camera directly; head not tilted
- • Neutral expression; mouth closed; eyes open
- • Hair off the face; edges of face clearly visible
- • Glasses: no tinted lenses; avoid glare; eyes clearly visible
- • Head coverings: only for religious/medical reasons; full face visible; no shadows
- • No other objects or people in the photo