Japan Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Author Sukhwinder SinghPublished June 15, 2026Reviewed July 2, 2026Spec source MOFA / ward offices

Japanese passports (旅券) are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through ward offices (区役所), city halls (市役所), and consulates abroad. The standard photo size is 35 × 45 mm with a plain light-coloured background — white or very light grey. Japan is stricter than many countries about photo recency (taken within six months) and about visible digital retouching. This guide covers ordinary passport renewal, first issuance, and the differences between passport photos and My Number card photos.

Spec in one line: 35×45 mm, plain white or light grey background, head 32–36 mm, no glasses, neutral face, taken within 6 months, no filters or beauty apps.
Acceptable plain background versus unacceptable patterned wall for passport photos
Japan accepts white or very light grey backgrounds. Avoid warm cream tones and visible wall texture.

1. Exact dimensions

  • Size: 35 × 45 mm (ICAO standard).
  • Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to top of head (including hair).
  • Print: colour, 300 DPI on photo paper.
  • Quantity: one photo attached to the application form; some offices ask for a spare.
  • Digital: most in-person ward-office applications still use printed photos. Online renewal pilots may accept JPEG uploads — check your municipality.

2. Background colour

MOFA guidance specifies a plain white or light-coloured background with no shadow, no pattern, and no other people. In practice:

  • Pure white is the safest choice nationwide.
  • Very light grey is accepted at most ward offices.
  • Blue backgrounds (common on older Japanese ID photos) are not accepted for passports.
  • Busy backgrounds, plants, furniture edges, and door frames cause rejection.

3. Glasses, hair, and expression

  • No glasses for ordinary passport applications since the 2019 MOFA update.
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed. Smiling is not permitted.
  • Hair must not cover the eyes or obscure the face outline.
  • Ears do not need to be visible, but the full face oval must be clear.
  • No hats except religious coverings that do not shadow the face.

4. Passport photo vs My Number card photo

Japan uses different sizes for different documents. Do not reuse a My Number (マイナンバーカード) photo for a passport application:

  • Passport: 35 × 45 mm.
  • My Number card: 45 × 45 mm square.
  • Residence card (在留カード): 30 × 40 mm for some updates — verify with Immigration Services Agency.

Our maker includes separate presets for Japan passport and Japan My Number where configured. Always select the document type that matches your application.

5. Where to apply and what to bring

Ordinary passport applications are submitted at your local ward or city office (for residents in Japan) or at Japanese consulates (for overseas residents). You typically need:

  • Completed application form (旅券申請書).
  • Current passport (for renewal).
  • One compliant 35×45 mm photo.
  • Fee: ¥16,000 for a 10-year adult passport (2026 rate; 5-year and child rates differ).
  • My Number card or other ID as specified by the office.

Processing is usually 1–2 weeks for standard issuance at a ward office; consulates abroad may take longer.

6. Common rejection reasons

  1. Photo older than six months (~20%).
  2. Visible beauty filter or skin smoothing (~18%). Ward staff compare against your live appearance.
  3. Background shadow or colour cast (~16%).
  4. Glasses left on (~12%).
  5. Smile or teeth showing (~10%).
  6. Head height out of range (~9%).
  7. Wrong size (My Number square used) (~8%).
  8. Other (~7%).

Create your Japan passport photo

Select Japan in the Free Passport Photo Maker. Align your face to the 32–36 mm head-height guides, use a white background, and download a print-ready sheet. Print at 100% scale on photo paper and bring one cut photo to your ward office.