51×51 mm Rules checked Oct 17, 2026 Japanese passport photo: size and rules
A Japanese passport photo is 51 × 51 mm, printed. The head, from chin to crown, is 32–36 mm. Plain, no pattern or shadow. Glasses are allowed if there is no glare. Taken within the last 6 months. Take yours at home with PassportOwl: checked against every rule, accepted or your money back.
- Cropped to size and checked against every official rule
Top of head Chin Japanese passport photo requirements
From the official source. We check each one on your photo.
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm |
|---|---|
| Head size | 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 in (32–36 mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain, no pattern or shadow |
| Colour, on matte or glossy photo paper | |
| Glasses | Allowed if there is no glare |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Head covering | Not stated |
| Taken | In the last 6 months |
Rules to know
- 2x2 in uncut, one photo
- Head 32-36 mm
- No toothy smile, no hair over the eyes
- Frames must not cover the eyes; no glare
- Not digitally altered
Source: Japanese passport - Embassy of Japan in the USA . Checked Oct 17, 2026. PassportOwl is not affiliated with any government.
How to take a Japanese passport photo at home
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Find a plain wall
The background rule is: plain, no pattern or shadow. Stand a step or two in front of the wall, not against it, so your shadow does not fall on it.
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Use soft, even light
Face a window in daylight or a soft lamp, so both sides of your face are lit the same. Avoid light from above or behind you, which makes shadows on the face.
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Hold the camera at eye level
Hold the phone straight, at eye level and about an arm’s length away, or ask someone to take it. The owl guide on screen tells you when your head is straight, centred and the right size.
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Keep a neutral face
Look straight at the camera with your mouth closed and both eyes open. Do not smile. Glasses are allowed, but tilt them slightly or move the light if you see a reflection in the lenses.
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Let us size and check it
We crop the photo to 51×51 mm, with the head at 32–36 mm from chin to top of head, and check it against each rule. You see the result before you pay.
Good and bad photo examples
20 common reasons a Japanese passport photo gets rejected. Tap any example to see why.
A good photo
Sharp and in color, with even light and no shadows. The head is straight, facing the camera and the right size, on a plain, light-colored background.
How to fix:
We check this on your photo:
Example photos, generated; not real people.
Common reasons for rejection
We check each one before you pay.
- A print that is not exactly 51 × 51 mm, or that was cut unevenly.
- The head too small or too large. The rule is 32–36 mm from chin to top of head.
- A background that does not match the rule: plain, no pattern or shadow.
- Shadows on the face or on the wall behind you.
- Glare or reflections in glasses that hide the eyes.
- A smile, an open mouth or closed eyes.
- A photo that is too old: it must be taken in the last 6 months.
- An edited photo: filters, beauty modes, smoothing or a replaced background change how you look. We never retouch photos; we only crop and size them.
Printing your Japanese passport photo
Your download includes a 4 × 6 inch print sheet with 51 × 51 mm photos and cut lines. Print it as a standard 4 × 6 photo at any photo counter (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and others) or on a home photo printer, on matte or glossy photo paper, at 100% size with any crop or fill option turned off.
You need 1 photo for the application. Cut along the lines with a ruler and a sharp blade or scissors, and do not fold or staple the photo over the face.
Questions
What size is a Japanese passport photo?
51×51 mm (51 × 51 mm). The head, from chin to crown, is 32–36 mm.
Can I use a US passport photo for my Japanese passport?
Often yes: both are 2 × 2 inches. Check the head size and background rules above, which can differ.
Can I take a Japanese passport photo at home?
Yes. Take it with your phone or webcam, or upload one. We crop it to 51×51 mm, check it against every official rule and show you the result before you pay.
Is it guaranteed?
Yes. If the Japanese passport is turned down for a photo reason, we refund you in full and make you a new photo, free.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are allowed if there is no glare.
What background does a Japanese passport photo need?
Plain, no pattern or shadow. Stand a step or two away from a plain wall and use soft, even light so there are no shadows behind you.
Can I smile in my Japanese passport photo?
No. Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed and both eyes open.
How recent must my Japanese passport photo be?
Taken in the last 6 months, and it should look like you do now.
How many photos do I need for a Japanese passport?
1 photo, according to the official source. Check your application form, because some offices ask for more.
