Japan Passport Photo Size — 35×45mm

Japan is one of the few remaining countries that still permits glasses, provided the eyes are fully visible and there is no glare. The head must measure 34mm give or take 2mm, and the gap above the head is specified separately.

Japan passport photo specifications

Printed size

35 × 45 mm · 413 × 531 px

Head height (chin to crown)

32 – 36 mm

Background

Background: plain white

Photo age limit

Taken within 6 months

Glasses

Allowed if eyes are clearly visible

Prints to submit

1 print

Rules specific to Japan

• 35×45mm, with the head 32–36mm from chin to crown (specified as 34mm ±2mm).
• A gap of 2–6mm is required between the top of the head and the upper edge of the photo.
• Glasses are permitted, unlike Korea or the Schengen Area — but the eyes must be clearly visible with no reflection and no frame covering the pupils.
• Plain white or light background, printed on glossy photographic paper.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Neutral expression, mouth closed, face square to the camera.
• No headwear except for religious reasons.

Why passport photos get rejected

• Head too large or too small. This is the single most common reason, and the one people notice least — the canvas size can be perfect while the head is out of range.
• Shadow behind the head, usually from standing too close to a wall. Step a metre away from the background.
• Smiling, or mouth slightly open. Neutral expression means neutral.
• Hair covering an eye, or a fringe casting a shadow across the eyes.
• Uneven lighting that leaves one side of the face darker than the other.
• A photo that has been retouched, filtered, or run through an AI beauty tool. Most authorities now check for this and reject it outright.

Other countries