Japan Passport

Intro

The Japan passport is the official travel document for Japanese citizens. Anyone applying at a prefectural passport center, a municipal office, or a Japanese consulate abroad must submit a compliant photo. Japan passport photo requirements differ from the US standard: the correct size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall. Submitting the wrong dimensions, a photo with the wrong head height, or an incorrect background will delay your application. This guide covers photo specifications, the in-person and online application process, and Japan passport renewal through MynaPortal.

Photo requirements at a glance

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	35 × 45 mm (no border)
Head height	32–36 mm from chin to crown (34 mm ± 2 mm)
Background	Plain, uniform light color (white, off-white, or light blue)
Photo age	Taken within the last 6 months
Digital upload (MynaPortal)	600 × 730 pixels, JPEG, under 600 KB
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Head position	Directly forward, no tilt

Why these specs matter

The 35 × 45 mm photo size is not interchangeable with the 51 × 51 mm format used for US passports. An applicant who arrives with a US-standard photo will be turned away at the counter. This is a frequent issue for Japanese nationals who had photos taken abroad.

Head height follows the standard of 34 mm ± 2 mm from chin to crown, giving a range of 32–36 mm. A face that sits too low in the frame or is cropped too tightly at the top will fail biometric checks. Some sources list the head height as 29 mm, but all sources directly citing MOFA give the 32–36 mm range, and that is the figure used in this article.

Background requirements specify a plain, uniform light color free of patterns, shadows, and gradients. White is the reference standard, with off-white and light blue also accepted. Any background shadow or clothing that blends visually with the background is grounds for rejection.

For MynaPortal online applications, the digital photo must be exactly 600 × 730 pixels, JPEG format, and under 600 KB. These are specific to the online channel; the physical print spec for in-person applications remains 35 × 45 mm.

The 6-month recency requirement applies to all channels. A photo that no longer accurately reflects the applicant's appearance will be questioned even if it clears automated checks.

How to take the photo with iShotAPhoto

1. Open iShotAPhoto and select Japan Passport from the document list.
2. Take or upload your photo using your phone camera or an existing image.
3. iShotAPhoto's AI compliance check validates the photo against Japan passport photo requirements, including dimensions, head height, background color, and expression.
4. Preview and download the compliant photo file free before committing.
5. For an in-person application at a prefectural passport center or Japanese consulate, select printed delivery to receive passport-size prints by mail.

How to take it yourself with a phone

Lighting. Use soft, even natural light from a window positioned in front of you. Avoid direct sunlight, which produces harsh shadows under the nose and chin. Overhead indoor lighting without fill light typically leaves visible shadows below the face, which can trigger background and expression rejections.

Background. Stand or sit against a plain white or off-white wall. Clothing must contrast clearly with the background. A smooth, light-colored bedsheet can work if no suitable wall is available.

Camera position. Place the camera at eye level. Pointing the camera up or down changes the apparent angle of the face. Propping the phone on a stable surface and using the self-timer removes the temptation to angle for a more flattering shot, which would cause a head-tilt rejection. Having someone else hold the camera works equally well.

Framing. Position yourself so your head and shoulders are centered in the frame, with space above your head. Your entire face must be visible with no part of the head cut off.

Expression. Relax your face, close your mouth, and look at the lens with a neutral expression. Any smile, even slight, will cause rejection.

Check before uploading. Review the photo at full resolution for blur, shadows on the face or background, hair covering the eyes, and glare on glasses. Catching these before submission takes far less time than resubmitting a rejected application.

Common rejection reasons

Wrong dimensions. The Japan passport requires 35 × 45 mm, not the 51 × 51 mm US format. Applicants who recently used a US photo service will often have the wrong size on hand.

Head height outside the accepted range. MOFA specifies 34 mm ± 2 mm from chin to crown, giving an accepted range of 32–36 mm. A face that is too small or too large in the frame will fail biometric processing.

Non-plain background. Any pattern, texture, shadow, gradient, or color other than plain light tones causes rejection. Clothing that blends visually with the background is also flagged.

Shadows on the face. Hard directional shadows under the nose or chin (typically from overhead or side lighting) fail both automated and manual review.

Incorrect expression. The expression must be neutral with the mouth closed and both eyes fully open. A smile, frown, or partially closed eyes will trigger rejection.

Photo taken more than 6 months ago. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect the applicant's current appearance.

Digital filters or retouching. Beauty mode, skin-smoothing, and social media filters that alter facial features cause rejection. Many phone cameras activate beauty mode silently. Disable it before taking a passport photo.

Head tilted. Japan passport photos require the head to face directly forward with no rotation or tilt. Small tilts are detectable in biometric processing.

Glasses with glare. If glasses are worn, any reflection or glare on the lenses is a rejection trigger, and frames must not obscure any part of the eyes. MOFA strongly recommends removing glasses even when they are not explicitly prohibited.

Uniform or military clothing. Military and uniform clothing is not permitted in Japanese passport photos.

How iShotAPhoto compares to other options

Japan passport photos can be obtained through several channels.

Option	Cost	Time	Approval likelihood	Convenience
iShotAPhoto	Low	Quick	High when AI check passes	Take from home; print delivered or file downloaded
Pharmacy or convenience store machine	Low to moderate	Quick	Moderate, no compliance guidance	Walk-in, widely available in Japan
Photography studio	Premium	Moderate	Highest when studio knows Japan passport rules	Requires appointment or travel
Self-service photo booth	Low	Quick	Varies, built-in guidance limited	Walk-in, limited locations

Costs and times vary by region.

Country-specific notes

Passport types and validity. Adults aged 18 and older are eligible for a 10-year passport with a crimson cover. The minimum age was lowered from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022. Anyone under 18 receives a 5-year passport (dark blue cover). Japan began issuing its current passport version on March 24, 2025.

Fees. Current fees are approximately ¥16,000 for a 10-year adult passport, ¥11,000 for a 5-year passport for ages 12–17, and ¥6,000 for a children's 5-year passport for those under 12. Japan announced plans to lower fees by up to ¥7,000 as of December 2025, with no confirmed implementation date published at the time of writing.

Where to apply. Domestic applications go to prefectural passport centers or municipal offices. Overseas applicants submit at Japanese embassies or consulates. The Consulate-General in San Francisco estimates processing takes approximately one month; other consulates may issue sooner.

Online applications via MynaPortal. As of March 2025, MynaPortal online applications are available in all Japanese prefectures, including new applications. Japan passport renewal through MynaPortal requires a passport with less than 1 year of remaining validity, or 3 or fewer blank visa pages remaining. Applicants also need a valid My Number Card and a compatible smartphone.

Uncollected passports. Passports must be collected within 6 months of the issue date or they become void. Failing to collect and then re-applying within five years triggers an additional ¥6,000 penalty fee.

Special cases

Children. Photo requirements for dimension, expression, and background are identical for children. Children under 18 receive only 5-year passports. Those under 12 qualify for the lower ¥6,000 fee tier.

Glasses. MOFA does not explicitly ban prescription glasses but strongly advises removing them for the photo. If glasses are worn, lenses must be completely clear with no tint, no color contacts, and no glare or reflections. Frames must not cover any part of the eyes. Sunglasses are prohibited.

Religious and medical head coverings. Head coverings are generally not permitted. An exception applies for religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to forehead remains clearly visible.

MynaPortal eligibility restrictions. First-time applicants, those with already-expired passports, and those who have recently changed their name or permanent address on their family register must apply in person and cannot use MynaPortal online renewal, even if their passport otherwise meets the validity criteria.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Japan passport photo?
A Japan passport photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall, with no border. This differs from the 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inch) format used for US passports.

What are Japan passport photo requirements for background color?
The background must be plain and uniform, with no patterns, gradients, or shadows. White is the standard; off-white and light blue are also accepted. A Japan passport photo background color outside these options will trigger rejection.

What is the Japan passport photo size in mm?
The required dimensions are 35 × 45 mm. The Japan passport photo 35x45 format applies to physical prints for in-person applications and to overseas consulate submissions. It is not the same as the 51 × 51 mm US format.

Can I wear glasses in a Japanese passport photo?
MOFA does not explicitly ban prescription glasses but strongly recommends removing them. Any glare or reflection on the lenses will trigger rejection. Sunglasses, tinted lenses, and colored contacts are prohibited. If glasses are worn, the frames must not cover any part of the eyes.

How long is a Japanese passport valid?
Adults aged 18 and older may receive a 10-year passport. Anyone under 18 receives a 5-year passport. Japan passport validity at 10 years became available to adults as young as 18 following a rule change on April 1, 2022.

What is the Japan passport fee?
Current fees are approximately ¥16,000 for a 10-year adult passport, ¥11,000 for ages 12–17, and ¥6,000 for children under 12. Japan announced plans to lower these fees by up to ¥7,000 as of December 2025, with no confirmed effective date published at time of writing.

How long does Japan passport processing take?
Domestic processing takes approximately two weeks, with Tokyo issuing from the 9th business day after submission. Online applications via MynaPortal take around 11 business days. Japan passport processing time at overseas consulates ranges from around 5 working days to approximately one month depending on location. The Consulate-General in San Francisco estimates approximately one month.

What digital photo specs does Japan's online application (MynaPortal) require?
The digital photo for MynaPortal must be 600 × 730 pixels, JPEG format, and under 600 KB. This Japan passport photo digital size applies only to the online channel. Physical prints for in-person applications use the 35 × 45 mm standard.

Can I apply for a Japanese passport online?
Yes — as of March 2025, online applications via MynaPortal are available in all Japanese prefectures, including new applications. However, first-time applicants, those with already-expired passports, and those who have recently changed their name or registered address must apply in person. Japan passport application via MynaPortal requires a valid My Number Card and a compatible smartphone.

Where can I get a passport photo in Japan?
Photography studios, pharmacy photo machines, self-service booths, and online tools are all passport photo Japan options. An online service lets you verify compliance before printing. iShotAPhoto checks photos against Japan passport photo requirements and offers printed delivery for applicants who need physical prints for an in-person submission.

Related documents

• Japan Residence Card or Certificate of Eligibility
• Japan My Number Card
• Japan foreign driver's license
• Japan Visa

Official sources

• Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco — Passport services