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The Challenge
Japan requires 35×45mm passport photos with pure white background, strict face positioning, and matte paper at 600 DPI. Professional photo booths (証明写真機) charge ¥800-1500. Rejected photos delay passport processing at regional passport centres.
One format for passport, UK visa, and international driving permit
Japan uses 35×45mm for three document types: passports (新規・更新), visa applications submitted at Japanese embassies in the UK, and international driving permits (国際運転免許証). Same dimensions, same white background, same 600 DPI. One photo works for all three if taken within 6 months.
Japan passport photo checklist - will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions (standard Japanese passport format)
- Pure white background—no off-white, cream, or grey
- Applicant facing directly forward, alone in photo
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No headbands, caps, hats, or hair accessories
- No glasses (remove for photo)
- No borders around photo edges
- Taken within last 6 months
- 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI minimum
- Printed on matte photo paper
- No shadows on face or background
- Head not tilted or rotated
Common rejection reasons at Japanese passport offices
- Background not pure white (off-white, cream, or shading visible)
- Wearing glasses, headbands, or caps
- Head size or position outside specified range
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Photo has visible borders
- Photo older than 6 months
- Not facing directly forward
- Low resolution causing pixelation at print
- Printed on glossy paper instead of matte
- Multiple people visible in photo
How to print Japanese passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo paper (マット紙). Available at convenience stores, Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Amazon Japan.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or L-size (89×127mm) for 2-4 photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper cutter. Cut precisely along grey guide lines. No borders.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at convenience store multi-function printer (¥30-60 per sheet) or photo shop.
Good vs bad Japanese passport photo examples
Japan passport vs visa vs driving licence photo differences
Japan uses different photo sizes for different documents. Passports require 35×45mm. Visa applications (at Japanese embassies) typically require 45×45mm—a square format unique to Japan visa. When applying for a Japan visa from the US, the required size is approximately 36×51mm (1.4×2 inches). Driving licences use a smaller 24×30mm format. Residence cards (在留カード, formerly alien registration) use 30×40mm. These are not interchangeable—using the wrong size results in automatic rejection.
Need a Japan visa photo instead?
Japan visa applications require 45×45mm square photos—different from passport format. If applying from the US, the requirement is 36×51mm (1.4×2 inches). Use the dedicated Japan Visa Photo tool for the correct dimensions.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo booths in Japan
- Photo booth (証明写真機, e.g. Ki-Re-i, DNP): ¥800-1500 for 4-8 photos
- Camera shop (カメラのキタムラ): ¥1,500-2,000 for 4 photos
- Convenience store multi-function printer: ¥30-200 per sheet
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or convenience store
- Savings: ¥700-1,800 per application
- Family of four: Save ¥2,800-7,200 using DIY approach
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor
- Ensure only baby is visible in frame—no hands, toys, or supports
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting, no flash
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centered
- Baby should have eyes open and mouth closed where possible
- Remove pacifiers, toys, and accessories from frame
- White background mandatory—ensure sheet has no wrinkles or shadows
- Take 15-20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for infants
Official Japanese Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- Approx. 27-32 mm (60-71% of frame)
- Face Position
- Head top to photo top: ~7mm, Chin to photo bottom: ~13mm
- Background
- White (strictly enforced)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Passport, visa (applying from UK), international driving permit
Best Practices
- Japan requires pure white background—off-white, cream, or grey will be rejected
- Remove all glasses for passport photos—Japan does not allow glasses in passport photos
- No headbands, caps, or hair accessories—stricter than many countries
- Photos must have no borders—cut precisely to 35×45mm
- 35×45mm is for passports only—visa and driving licence use different sizes
- Print at convenience store (コンビニ) multifunction printer for cheap, high-quality prints
- Matte paper required—specify マット紙 when printing
- Photos valid for 6 months—plan application timing accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Japanese passport photos?
35×45mm (width × height). Digital resolution is 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI. This is the standard size for Japanese passports. Visa, driving licence, and residence card photos use different dimensions.
Can I wear glasses in Japanese passport photos?
No. Japan does not permit glasses in passport photos. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo. This applies to prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses.
What background colour for Japanese passport photos?
Pure white only. Japanese passport offices strictly enforce white backgrounds. Off-white, cream, grey, and any other colours or shading will be rejected.
Can I use my passport photo for a Japan visa application?
No. Japanese passport photos are 35×45mm. Japan visa photos are 45×45mm (square format). Using passport dimensions for a visa application will result in rejection. Each document type requires its own correctly sized photo.
How recent must Japanese passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Photos must accurately reflect your current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
Where can I print passport photos in Japan?
Convenience store multifunction printers (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) for ¥30-200 per sheet. Photo booths (Ki-Re-i, DNP) for ¥800-1500. Camera shops like Kitamura for ¥1,500-2,000. Or print at home on matte photo paper.
Are borders allowed on Japanese passport photos?
No. Photos must not be bordered and must conform exactly to 35×45mm size specifications. Cut precisely along edges with no white border remaining.
Can I use this photo for a Japan international driving permit?
Yes. Japan international driving permits use the same 35×45mm format as passports. However, domestic Japanese driving licences require smaller 24×30mm photos.