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May 29, 2026 · Country Guide
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省, MOFA) issues passports through regional passport offices — the ryokan-kyoku (旅券局) — under prefectural governments. Photo requirements follow the ICAO biometric standard: 35×45mm, white or off-white background, no glasses, and specific face and eye positioning. This guide covers all MOFA rules, the 5-year vs 10-year passport choice, and child photo requirements.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm (width × height) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, uniform, no shadows |
| Face height | 34 mm (±2mm) — chin to crown |
| Eye position | 20 mm (±2mm) from bottom of photo |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth slightly closed, both eyes open |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Recency | Taken within 6 months |
| Colour | Full colour — no black-and-white |
| Retouching | Not permitted — natural likeness required |
| Authority | MOFA (外務省) via regional ryokan-kyoku offices |
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan (MOFA) — mofa.go.jp
MOFA specifies precise positioning requirements that go beyond the general ICAO guidelines:
These positioning requirements ensure that the biometric data stored on the passport IC chip is accurate and consistent for automated facial recognition at e-gates. A photo where the face or eyes are outside these ranges may be rejected even if the overall size is correct.
Japanese passports are applied for at regional passport offices (旅券事務所, ryokan-jimusho) or prefectural offices (旅券局, ryokan-kyoku) operated by prefectural governments. You must apply in the prefecture where you are registered (住民票, juminhyo).
You bring a printed passport photo with your application. As of 2026, Japanese passport applications are primarily paper-based with a printed photo — confirm the current submission method with your local office. Processing time is typically 8–10 working days for regular applications.
Japanese citizens living abroad apply at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate, which also accepts the 35×45mm printed photo format.
| Validity | Cover colour | Eligibility | Fee (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years | Red cover | Age 20 and over only | ¥16,000 |
| 5 years | Blue cover | All ages (only option under 20) | ¥11,000 (adult) / ¥6,000 (under 12) |
Both validity options use the same 35×45mm ICAO photo format with identical biometric requirements. Fees are approximate and subject to change — confirm current fees with your local ryokan-kyoku.
Japan issues biometric e-Passports (電子旅券) with an IC chip storing facial biometric data extracted from your submitted photo. This enables automated recognition at e-gates in Japan and at international borders. The Japanese e-Passport is recognised at automated e-gates in the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and many other countries.
Because the IC chip data is derived directly from your photo, strict photo quality standards are enforced. Any photo that reduces biometric accuracy — due to shadows, obstructions, digital retouching, or glasses — will be rejected.
Children's passport photos follow the same MOFA requirements: 35×45mm, white or off-white background, no glasses. For babies and very young children:
Children under 20 receive a 5-year passport only. Because children's appearances change rapidly, new photos are required at each renewal.
| Country | Size | Face/head height | Background | Max photo age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 35×45mm | Face 34±2mm | White or off-white | 6 months |
| South Korea | 35×45mm | Head 32–36mm | White only | 6 months |
| China | 35×45mm | Face 28–33mm | Plain white | 6 months |
| Australia | 35×45mm | Head 32–36mm | White or light grey | 6 months |
| New Zealand | 35×45mm | Head 28–34mm | Plain light colour | 6 months |
All countries listed are ICAO signatories and issue biometric e-Passports. Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting.
Japanese passport photos must be 35×45mm (width × height). The face must be 34mm (±2mm) tall from chin to crown, and the eyes must be 20mm (±2mm) from the bottom edge of the photo.
No. MOFA Japan requires passport photos without glasses, in line with the ICAO biometric standard. This applies to all types of glasses including prescription, reading, and fashion glasses.
Adults aged 20 and over can choose between a 10-year passport (red cover) and a 5-year passport (blue cover). Applicants under 20 can only receive a 5-year passport. Both have the same photo requirements.
Japanese passports are issued by regional passport offices called ryokan-kyoku (旅券局), operated through prefectural governments under the authority of MOFA (外務省). If you live abroad, you apply at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
The photo must have been taken within 6 months before the application date and must be a current likeness. Photos older than 6 months will not be accepted.
Children's passport photos follow the same 35×45mm MOFA requirements. For babies and very young children, the face must be clearly visible and centred. No parent's hands or other people may appear in the frame. A plain white or off-white background is required. Children under 20 receive a 5-year passport only.
Always verify current requirements with MOFA Japan (mofa.go.jp) or your nearest Japanese embassy, consulate, or regional ryokan-kyoku office. Requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Eugen Schnellbach
Founder of ID Wizard · Optician · Cross-border commuter CH/DE
As an optician, Eugen advises customers every day on the image requirements for official documents. As a cross-border commuter between Switzerland and Germany, he knows the requirements of both countries’ authorities first-hand.
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