What is the size of Japanese passport photo?

Japanese passport photos must be 35mm wide × 45mm tall. The face (from chin to top of head) should measure 27-40mm, occupying 70-80% of the photo height.

Can I wear glasses in Japanese passport photo?

Since 2021, MOFA recommends not wearing glasses in passport photos to avoid reflection issues. If you must wear them for medical reasons, ensure there's no glare and eyes are clearly visible.

How long is Japanese passport photo valid?

Photos must be taken within 6 months of application. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.

Where can I apply for Japanese passport?

In Japan: At prefectural passport centers or designated municipal offices. Overseas: At Japanese embassies or consulates. Online renewal is available in some areas since 2023.

🇯🇵 MOFA Compliant

Japanese Passport Photo Requirements

パスポート写真 / 旅券写真

Create perfect 35×45mm photos for Japanese passport applications. Meets all MOFA (外務省) requirements.

Create Passport Photo →

👤

35×45mm

45mm

35mm

Photo Specifications

Size Requirements

Photo Size	35 × 45 mm
In Inches	1.38 × 1.77 inches
Digital Size	413 × 531 px
Resolution	300 DPI min
Head Height	27-40 mm
Face Proportion	70-80% of photo

MOFA Requirements

✓ White or light gray background
✓ Taken within last 6 months
✓ Full face, centered
✓ Neutral expression, mouth closed
✓ Both eyes open and visible
✗ No glasses recommended (since 2021)
✗ No hats or headwear (religious exceptions)

Head Position Guide

2-6mm

Face
27-40mm

45mm

35mm

Top margin (髪の上)

2-6 mm

Face height (顔の長さ)

27-40 mm

Japanese Passport Types

10-Year Passport

¥16,000

For adults 18+

Red cover (一般旅券)

5-Year Passport

¥11,000

For any age

Blue cover (一般旅券)

Under
12

Under 12 Passport

¥6,000

5-year only

Reduced fee

Where to Apply

In Japan ()

•

Prefectural Passport Centers

都道府県パスポートセンター
•

Municipal Offices

市区町村役場（一部）
•

Online Renewal (2023~)

マイナポータル経由

💡 Processing: 6-8 business days (usually 1 week)

Overseas ()

•

Japanese Embassies

在外日本国大使館
•

Japanese Consulates

在外日本国総領事館

💡 Processing: 2-4 weeks (varies by location)

Required Documents

📝

Application Form ()

Download from MOFA website or get at passport center

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Photo × 1 ()

35×45mm, white background, taken within 6 months

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Koseki Tohon ()

Family register extract, issued within 6 months

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Identity Document

Driver's license, My Number Card, or other official ID

🛂

Previous Passport (if renewal)

Must return old passport when collecting new one

Common Photo Mistakes

🕶️

Wearing Glasses

Not recommended since 2021

😊

Smiling

Neutral expression only

📏

Wrong Face Size

Must be 70-80% of photo

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Colored Background

White/light gray only

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Japanese passport online? ▼

Since 2023, passport renewal is available online through My Number Portal (マイナポータル) for Japanese citizens who have a valid My Number Card. However:

Only for renewals, not new applications
Must upload digital photo meeting MOFA specs
Available in most prefectures
New passports still require in-person pickup

How long does Japanese passport processing take? ▼

In Japan: 6-8 business days (approximately 1 week) for standard processing.
Overseas: 2-4 weeks depending on the embassy/consulate.

No expedited service is available. Plan ahead during busy travel seasons.

Can babies and children get Japanese passport? ▼

Yes, Japanese citizens of any age can get a passport:

Children under 12: 5-year passport only (¥6,000)
Children 12-17: 5-year passport (¥11,000)
Parent/guardian must apply on behalf of minors
Baby photos must show face clearly, eyes open

What if my appearance changed significantly? ▼

If your appearance has changed significantly (plastic surgery, major weight change, gender transition), you may need to apply for a new passport even if your current one hasn't expired. The passport photo must reflect your current appearance for security purposes.