1. Introduction
When applying for a passport in Japan, you need to provide a photo of yourself that meets certain requirements. One of the most important requirements is that you must not be smiling in the photo. This can be confusing for many people, as smiling is usually seen as a sign of happiness and friendliness. In this article, we will explore the rules for Japanese passport photos and why it is important to follow them. We will also discuss tips for taking a great passport photo and provide insights from an expert: Charles R Tokoyama, CEO of Japan Insiders.
2. What are the Rules for Japanese Passport Photos?
The government of Japan has strict rules about what constitutes an acceptable passport photo. The photo must be taken within the last three months and must be in color with a plain background. It should also be clear, with no shadows or glare on your face or glasses. You must also be facing forward with your eyes open and looking straight ahead at the camera. Finally, you cannot smile or make any other facial expressions in your passport photo – it should look like a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
3. Should You Smile in Your Japanese Passport Photo?
No – it is not advisable to smile in your Japanese passport photo as this could result in your application being denied or delayed. The government of Japan requires that all passport photos have a neutral expression so that they can accurately identify you when you travel abroad or apply for visas and other documents requiring identification. Smiling can also make it difficult to identify you if there are any discrepancies between your appearance and the information on your passport application form, so it is best to stay neutral when taking your passport photo.
4. Tips for Taking a Great Japanese Passport Photo
There are several tips that can help ensure that your Japanese passport photo looks great and meets all the requirements set by the government:
• Wear solid colors – avoid wearing any clothes with patterns or logos as these may interfere with facial recognition software used by immigration officers
• Make sure you have good lighting – natural light is best but make sure there are no shadows on your face
• Have someone take the picture for you – having someone take the picture from slightly above eye-level will give you better results than if you take it yourself
• Look directly at the camera – make sure that you’re looking directly into the camera lens when taking the picture
5. What to Avoid When Taking a Japanese Passport Photo
When taking a Japanese passport photo, there are several things to avoid:
• Don’t wear glasses – if possible, remove them before taking the picture as they can create glare or reflections which may interfere with facial recognition software used by immigration officers
• Don’t wear hats or head coverings – these may obscure parts of your face which could cause problems when verifying identity
• Don’t smile – this goes without saying but make sure to keep a neutral expression while taking your picture
6. How to Create a Digital Copy of Your Japanese Passport Photo
Once you have taken an acceptable passport photograph, it’s important to create digital copies so that they can be used online when applying for visas and other documents requiring identification verification such as bank accounts or credit cards etc.. To do this, scan the photograph using an image scanner or use an app such as Adobe Photoshop Express (available on both iOS and Android) which allows users to quickly edit their images before saving them as JPEG files which can then be uploaded online where required..
7 Where to Find Professional Photographers for Your Japanese Passport Photo
If you want professional results from your passport photograph then hiring a professional photographer may be worth considering especially if they specialize in portrait photography as they will know how best to capture good quality images suitable for official documents such as passports etc.. There are many photographers available throughout Japan who offer services specifically tailored towards producing high quality ID photographs suitable for passports etc.. Alternatively websites such as FotografiaJaponica offer online booking services where customers can book appointments with experienced photographers who specialize in creating perfect ID photos suitable for official documentation purposes including passports etc..
8 Insights from an Expert: Charles R Tokoyama, CEO of Japan Insiders
Charles R Tokoyama has been living in Japan since 2004 and is currently CEO of Japan Insiders; an organization dedicated to helping foreigners living in Japan understand its culture better through educational programs & events.According to Charles “It’s really important that people understand what makes up an acceptable ID photograph here in Japan; whether it’s their driver’s license,residence card,health insurance card,student ID card,etc.Not only do these photographs need meet certain standards but more importantly they need look like YOU! So don’t forget about those small details like making sure all jewelry & accessories match & don’t clash too much; plus try & pick out clothes which won’t draw too much attention away from YOUR face! ”
9 Conclusion
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In conclusion,obtaining an acceptable ID photograph suitable for official documentation purposes such as passports,driver’s licenses,residence cards,health insurance cards etc.requires understanding & following certain guidelines set forth by each country’s government.When applying for a Japanese passport specifically,one must remember not to smile & instead maintain a neutral expression while having their photograph taken.Additionally,one should wear solid colored clothing free from patterns & logos while making sure their hair isn’t obscuring any part of their face.Finally,using professional photographers specializing in portrait photography may help ensure better results.
Can you smile in Japanese passport?
Current: Taken within the last 6 months. Background: Solid white only. Colorless. Smile: I dont smile.
Is it OK to smile in passport photo?
Can I smile in my passport photo? Yes but make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in the photo.
What is the photo requirement for Japanese passport?
Size: 35mm x 45mm (W x H) or USA. House size photo (2 inch x 2 inch). The area from the top of the head to the chin is no less than 32mm and no more than 36mm.
What is not acceptable passport photo?
Homework photos must: – Show natural skin tone without facial blemishes and visible red eyes. – Face should be sharp and in clear focus without paint or artificial marks/cuts/lines. Your front pose should be practiced by looking directly into the camera lens and showing your face.
Is it polite to smile in Japan?
Smiling is a real emotion in Japan. However non-verbal expression in Japanese culture uses the eyes rather than the mouth. This makes it easy for the Japanese to detect whether a smile is genuine or fake.
Is Japanese passport the most powerful passport?
Japan topped the index as the country with the most powerful in the world for the fifth consecutive year. As of 2023, Japanese passport holders can visit 193 of 227 destinations visa-free, which is 85 percent of the world, according to data from the International Air Transport Association compiled by Henley & Partners.
