日本国旅券 (Japanese Passport) Photo Standards
The Japanese passport, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, requires a photograph that meets specific and precise standards. The photo must be 35x45mm and taken within the last 6 months. The background must be plain white (not off-white or cream). Japanese authorities are particularly strict about the size of the face, which must occupy 71% to 80% of the vertical height of the photo. The photo must show the applicant facing forward with a neutral, closed-mouth expression. Even a slight smile that shows teeth will result in rejection.
Japan Technical Specifications
The 'No Teeth' Rule and Biometric Precision
Japanese facial recognition technology (used at Haneda and Narita e-gates) is highly sensitive to changes in mouth shape. A smile alters the distance between the nose and chin, causing a mismatch. The Japanese passport office strictly enforces the 'mouth closed' rule. Additionally, the photo must be high-contrast to ensure clear printing on the polycarbonate data page. Our AI ensures the face is perfectly scaled to the 71-80% range and that the mouth is in a neutral, closed position.
Checklist for Japanese Passport Photo
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes looking directly at the camera.
- Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF). No shadows or patterns.
- Clothing: Dark colours recommended. Do not wear white. Glasses are strongly discouraged due to glare issues.
Perfect Passport Photos from Home
Avoid the hassle of finding a photo booth that meets Japanese standards. Our AI creates a perfectly sized and lit 35x45mm photo ready for your passport application.