The complete Japan passport photo specification (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) — including the unusual landscape format that trips up most first-time applicants. Make a compliant photo online in 2 minutes.
Make a Japan Passport Photo →Per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo rules for Japanese passports and visa applications.
| Photo size | 45 × 35 mm, landscape orientation (wider than tall) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 34 ± 2 mm from chin to crown (32–36 mm) |
| Background | Plain white, no patterns, shadows or borders |
| Resolution | Sharp print at ≥ 300 DPI; digital files at least 600 px wide |
| Head position | Centered, front-facing, small margin above the hair |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Recommended off; if worn, no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Clothing | Everyday wear that contrasts with the white background; no uniforms |
No photographer needed — a phone camera and a plain wall are enough.
Stand about 1 m from a plain white wall with even daylight on your face. No shadows behind your head.
Camera at eye level. Look straight at the lens, keep a neutral expression, and frame head and shoulders with room to crop.
We rotate the crop into the 45×35 mm landscape layout, set the head to 34 ± 2 mm and verify the white background and exposure.