Japan Visa Photo Specifications
Your visa application photo must meet strict requirements set by the Japanese government. An incorrect photo is one of the most common reasons for application delays.
Official Requirements
Size & Dimensions
- Size: 35mm × 45mm (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
- Head size: Face should occupy 70-80% of the photo
- Head position: Centered, face directly facing the camera
Photo Quality
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Lighting: Even, no shadows on face or background
- Resolution: High quality, sharp and in focus
- Print: On photo-quality paper, no inkjet prints
Appearance
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Eyes: Open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
- Glasses: Preferably removed; if worn, no glare or tinted lenses
- Head covering: Not allowed unless for religious reasons
- Hair: Must not cover the face or eyes
Recency
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- Must accurately represent your current appearance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong size — Must be exactly 35mm × 45mm (not passport-size 35×45mm used in some countries)
- Colored background — Only white/off-white is accepted
- Shadows — Face and background must be shadow-free
- Selfies — Self-taken photos are not acceptable
- Filters or editing — No digital alteration of appearance
- Old photo — Must be less than 6 months old
- Glasses glare — Remove glasses if they cause reflection
- Low resolution — Blurry or pixelated photos will be rejected
How to Take a Compliant Photo
Professional Photo Studio (Recommended)
- Ask for "Japanese visa photo, 35×45mm, white background"
- Most studios are familiar with visa photo requirements
- Cost: typically $5-15
Photo Booths
- Some modern photo booths offer visa-size options
- Select "35×45mm" if available
- Verify the result meets all requirements
DIY Tips
- Use a plain white wall as background
- Use natural or even artificial lighting
- Use a tripod or have someone take the photo
- Use a photo editing tool to crop to exact 35×45mm
- Print on photo paper at a print shop
Number of Photos Required
- Most embassies require 2 identical photos
- Some may require only 1
- Check with your specific embassy for exact requirements
Special Cases
Infants and Children
- Same size requirements (35×45mm)
- Photo must show the child's face clearly
- Child must be alone in the photo (no parent holding them)
Religious Head Coverings
- Allowed if worn daily for religious purposes
- Face must still be fully visible from forehead to chin
Quick Checklist
- Size: 35mm × 45mm
- White background
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centered, neutral expression
- Eyes open and visible
- No shadows
- High quality print
- 2 identical copies