Japanese embassy specs in one page. The 2×2 inch (45×45 mm) square format is the official Japanese MoFA standard; 35×45 mm is accepted at most consulates abroad. Plain white or light background, neutral expression, no glasses. Make a compliant photo in your browser.
Specs from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs — widely accepted with the 35×45 mm alternative at most consulates worldwide.
| Photo size (MoFA standard) | 45 × 45 mm (square) |
|---|---|
| Alternative accepted | 35 × 45 mm or 2 × 2 inch (US) |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 531 × 531 px (45×45) or 413 × 531 px (35×45) |
| Head height | 32–36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or light, uniform |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Photo count | 1 printed photo for paper application |
| Taken within | The last six months |
The editor auto-crops to the Japanese 35×45 mm visa frame (45×45 mm also available via the US 2×2 inch preset — Japan accepts both), removes the background in your browser, and exports at 300 DPI — ready for embassy submission.
Open the Japan 35×45 mm visa editor
Drop a phone HEIC or JPG — we auto-crop and remove the background.
What Japanese embassies and consulates worldwide check before approving a visa application.
Plain white or very light neutral (light grey or cream). Patterned backgrounds, bright walls, furniture or windows behind you are rejected. Use the background-removal tool for a clean white.
Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera. Japan follows the ICAO biometric standard — no smile, no head tilt.
Not allowed on Japanese visa photos. Remove them before the photo. Contact lenses are fine; tinted or coloured contacts are not.
Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Both ears do not need to be visible, but the full face outline must be clear. Bangs above the eyes are fine.
The printed photo is typically glued (not stapled) to the paper visa application form. Provide one print with clean edges — no creases, no marks.
Allowed for religious reasons. Full face must be visible from chin to forehead, ear to ear. Fashion hats or caps are not accepted.
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs standard is 45×45 mm (square). However, most Japanese embassies and consulates worldwide also accept the 35×45 mm ICAO format — check the specific embassy page where you are applying. Both require a plain white or light background, neutral expression and no glasses.
Yes, most Japanese consulates in the United States accept the 2×2 inch (50.8×50.8 mm) photo for visa applications submitted in the US. Outside the US, the 35×45 mm or 45×45 mm formats are preferred.
No. Japanese embassies follow the ICAO biometric standard: neutral expression with mouth closed. A closed-mouth smile is tolerated by some consulates but neutral is always safer.
No. Japan updated its visa photo rules in line with the ICAO standard — glasses are not permitted. Remove them before taking the photo.
One printed photo glued to the visa application form for paper submission. Online e-visa applicants upload one JPG during the application.