Japan Passport Photo Requirements & Maker (35x45 mm)
Official Japan passport photo specifications: 35x45 mm dimensions, chin-to-crown 34±2 mm, plain light background. Create online with zero upload.
Official Photo Specifications
Requirements shown are for reference only. Always verify the latest requirements with the official source before submitting your application. This platform is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government authority. Read full disclaimer →
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Target preset: Japan Photo (35x45 mm) (35 × 45 mm)
About Japan Passport Photo (35x45 mm) Requirements
Japanese passport photo standards are governed strictly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The photograph must measure exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high.
Head size from bottom of chin to top of head must be 34 mm ± 2 mm (71% to 80%), with a top margin of 4 mm ± 2 mm from the crown to the top edge of the photo. The background must be plain light with no patterns, shadows, or gradients.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Official document processing centres and digital verification algorithms frequently reject photographs due to the following non-compliance issues:
- 1
Head size outside the strict 32–36 mm (34 mm ± 2 mm) biometric vertical window
- 2
Top margin above hair crown less than 2 mm or greater than 6 mm
- 3
Bangs or long hair covering eyes, eyebrows, ears, or facial contours (the most common cause of rejection)
- 4
Dark, uneven, patterned, or shadowed background behind head or shoulders
- 5
Wearing white or light clothing that blends with the plain light background
- 6
Reflective glare on glasses, thick frames obstructing eye contours, or wearing colored contact lenses
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the official dimension and size requirements for a Japan passport photo?
- Japanese passport photos must measure 35 mm in width by 45 mm in height. The face height from chin to crown must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm (34 mm ± 2 mm), with a top margin of 4 mm ± 2 mm above the hair and centered alignment.
- What clothing should I wear for a Japan passport photo?
- Avoid white or very light-colored tops, as they blend into the required light background and obscure your shoulder contours. Choose darker, solid colors such as navy, black, or dark blue. Avoid high collars or hooded garments that hide your neck and jawline.
- How should bangs and hair be styled for a Japanese passport photo?
- Both eyes and eyebrows must be completely visible. If your bangs reach your eyebrows or eyes, sweep them to the side or secure them with non-reflective hairpins. Side hair should be tucked behind your ears so your facial contours remain clear.
- What background colors are accepted for a Japan passport photo?
- The background must be a solid, uniform light color. White, off-white, light blue, and light grey are standard. The background must be completely free from cast shadows, wallpaper patterns, textures, or objects.
- Where can I take a Japan passport photo, and can I use an online app?
- You can take photos at automated photo booths, professional photo studios, or at home using your smartphone combined with our browser-based passport photo tool. As long as the photo meets MOFA dimensional and background standards, self-prepared digital photos are accepted.
- What are the most common reasons Japan passport photos get rejected?
- Photos fail official inspection primarily due to bangs concealing the eyebrows or eyes, background shadows or wallpaper textures, incorrect chin-to-crown facial height, wearing white clothes that blend into the background, or wearing colored contact lenses.
- Can I wear colored contact lenses or circle lenses in my Japan passport photo?
- No. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strictly bans colored contacts, circle lenses, and iris-enlarging lenses because they interfere with biometric automated gate verification.