Japanese Passport Photo (35 × 45 mm)
Japanese passport photos follow MOFA's IC passport photo standard: 35 mm × 45 mm, borderless, with the face 34 mm ± 2 mm from chin to top of head.
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1. Choose a photo — front-facing, even light, plain light background.
2. Adjust — drag to move, slider to zoom.
3. Optional: replace background
⚠️ Many authorities reject photos that are digitally altered. For the safest result, take the photo against a plain light wall and skip this step.
Background editing is disabled for this photo type because the issuing authority prohibits edited or background-replaced photos. Use a real plain wall.
4. Checks
- Waiting for a photo
Automated checks are guides only — they can't judge expression, glasses, shadows or focus.
5. Download (free)
Requirements at a glance
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital output (this tool) | 413 × 531 px JPEG |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Top of head to top edge | about 4 mm |
| Background | plain, no shadow (white recommended) |
| Print resolution | 300 DPI |
| Photos per 4×6 / A4 sheet | 8 / 36 |
| Background editing | avoid; optional tool available |
Official source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/passport/ic_photo.html. Checked 2026-10-20. Rules change — always confirm with the issuing authority before applying.
MOFA specification
- Size 35 mm wide × 45 mm high, no border.
- Head (top of head to chin) 34 mm ± 2 mm, i.e. 32–36 mm.
- Space above the head about 4 mm ± 2 mm.
- Plain background without shadow; MOFA's examples use white or very light colours.
- Taken within 6 months, facing forward, no hat, no mask, eyes open, mouth closed.
- Applicant alone; no glare on glasses, and hair should not cover the eyes.
Applying from Japan vs. overseas
Japan now accepts many passport applications online through the Mynaportal, where you upload a digital face photo instead of a print. Paper applications at prefectural passport centres and at embassies and consulates abroad still need a printed 35×45 photo. Japanese consulates abroad, such as the San Francisco consulate, publish the same 35×45 rule for passport applications and renewals.
How the preset works
Our Japan passport preset places the top of the head 4 mm below the upper edge and scales the head to 34 mm, the centre of the allowed range. The checks list shows the measured head height and top margin. If you have a lot of volume in your hair, zoom out slightly so the top margin stays at least 2 mm.
Common mistakes
Face too small (people often crop like a profile picture), shadow behind the head from a flash, tilted head, and photos printed on regular paper. Print on photo paper at a convenience-store or photo kiosk — a 4×6 (L-size is slightly smaller, so use 4×6/KG) sheet holds eight photos.
How to make a Japan passport photo with this tool
- Pick a photo taken in the last few months against a plain, no shadow (white recommended) background, face lit evenly from the front.
- The tool finds your face and scales it so the head is about 34 mm tall on a 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) photo.
- Drag or zoom until every check is green.
- Download the 413×531 px JPG for online forms, or a 4×6 sheet with 8 photos to print.
FAQ
What size is a Japanese passport photo?
35 mm wide by 45 mm high, borderless, with the head 34 mm plus or minus 2 mm.
How much space above the head?
About 4 mm plus or minus 2 mm between the top of the head and the top edge.
Can I wear a mask or hat?
No. Masks and hats are not allowed.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken within the last 6 months.