How should a Japan visa photo look?
Japan uses three separate sizes for different documents. 35×45 mm: passport, My Number Card and the international driving permit (IDP). The passport requires a pure white background and a 2-6 mm clearance between the top of the head and the upper edge (4 mm typical). MOFA publishes this rule with a millimetre-level diagram; it is Japan's most specific technical requirement. 30×40 mm: Zairyū residence card, job-application resume photo, JLPT and other certification exams. 24×30 mm: domestic driving licence. Head height is in the 32-36 mm range across all three formats.
Regulatory authorities and the recency rule
For passports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is competent; for the residence card the Immigration Services Agency under the Ministry of Justice; for the My Number Card the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Digital Agency). The domestic driving licence is issued by the prefectural police driving licence centre. A six-month recency rule applies to all applications and the system checks the capture date. Some Japanese consulates may require a different 45×45 mm format for visa applications abroad; check the consulate page before applying.
Workflow after the shoot
When the customer enters the studio, the first question is which document the photo is for. The captured frame is sent to PhotoID Studio. For a passport or My Number Card the 35×45 mm preset is selected; the app keeps the clearance between the top of the head and the upper edge automatically within 2-6 mm. For a residence card, resume or JLPT, 30×40 mm; for the domestic driving licence, 24×30 mm. Different sizes are produced from the same frame in a single session.
Capture setup and customer direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of a white backdrop with the shoulders parallel to the camera. The camera is on a tripod with the lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8, a softbox at 45°, a reflector on the opposite side. Give the cue "mouth completely closed, neutral expression, eyes fully open"; even a natural smile is rejected. For resume photos, business attire and an upright posture are the traditional expectation. Glasses: MOFA does not impose an outright ban, but the slightest reflection on the lens is rejected; the studio practice is to take them off. For child shoots, the parent should not stand behind the camera: it triggers a reflex smile.
Rejection reasons at MOFA passport centres and immigration offices
• Passport top clearance outside the 2-6 mm range: Japan's most common technical rejection. • Wrong format: handing 30×40 mm for the passport or 35×45 mm for the residence card. • A faint smile or visible teeth: Japan applies the neutral expression rule strictly. • Glasses glare: even the smallest reflection on the lens is rejected. • Hair across the eyebrows; a fringe must not cross the eyebrow line. • Passport background not pure white; gradient or shadow. • Tilted head pose. • A frame older than six months from the capture date.
For studios serving Japanese passport, residence card and resume photo customers
Studios in Japan see a steady flow for passport, My Number Card, residence card, resume, JLPT and domestic driving licence. The most common mistake at studios serving Japanese consulates in the US, UK, Australia, Turkey, India and China is missing the 2-6 mm top-clearance requirement when starting from a US/Schengen preset. PhotoID Studio offers four Japan presets: 35×45 mm passport (top clearance automatic), 30×40 mm residence/resume, 24×30 mm domestic driving licence, 35×45 mm IDP.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top clearance rule for the Japanese passport photo?
MOFA requires 2-6 mm of clearance between the top of the head and the upper edge of the frame; 4 mm is the typical mid-point. Below 2 mm or above 6 mm is rejected at the passport centre. The preset hits the range automatically.
Are the photo sizes the same for different documents in Japan?
No, there are three different sizes. 35×45 mm: passport, My Number Card, IDP. 30×40 mm: residence card (Zairyū), resume, JLPT. 24×30 mm: domestic driving licence.
What should I wear for a resume photo?
Business attire (a suit or business shirt) and an upright posture are the traditional expectation in Japanese business. The size 30×40 mm and the neutral expression rules are the same as in the other formats.
Can the photo be taken with glasses?
MOFA does not impose an outright ban, but the slightest reflection on the lens is rejected. To reduce the rejection risk studios recommend taking glasses off; if there is a medical reason, the lenses must be clear and non-reflective and the frame must not cover the eyes.
May a consular visa application require a 45×45 mm format?
Yes. Some Japanese consulates may require a 45×45 mm format for visa applications abroad. Check the consulate's official page before applying.
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