Japan résumé photo (履歴書 証明写真) size and tips
Job applications in Japan usually ask for a résumé photo on the form. Many sheets expect about 30×40 mm (30 mm wide × 40 mm tall), with business-appropriate clothing and a plain background. That is not the same rectangle as a 35×45 mm passport photo. Confirm your form, then crop carefully before you print or paste.
Form-specific—employer or school instructions override this overview
履歴書 photos are judged for professionalism as well as size. Recruiters expect a clear face, tidy hair, and clothing that matches Japanese job-hunting norms.
Do not submit a stretched passport 35×45 crop. Re-frame for the résumé aspect ratio so head size and shoulders look natural on the form.
Digital résumé uploads (PDF/web forms) still need a sharp file. Avoid chat compression and beauty filters that change facial proportions.
| Specification | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Common print size | 30 × 40 mm (verify your form) |
| Background | Plain light / white |
| Clothing | Suit or conservative attire (typical) |
| Expression | Calm, professional, mouth closed |
| Recency | Recent likeness; follow employer notes |
Always confirm the latest rules on the official government site before you submit.
Cream or textured walls, wrong head size after a selfie, and beauty filters cause most delays.
- Read the mm box on your paper 履歴書 before printing.
- Keep a digital master JPEG for PDF résumés.
- Suit jacket shoulders help frame the crop.
- If unsure, prefer a slightly tighter professional crop over a stretched passport file.
Make your passport photo now
Crop to the official size in your browser, then download to upload or print.
Works on phone or desktop. No app download.
Can I print my own passport photo at home?
Will a home-printed photo be accepted?
What size should I print?
- • Match the millimetres printed on your 履歴書 form
- • Plain light background without patterns
- • Professional clothing; avoid loud colours or logos
- • Face clearly visible; hair off the eyes
- • Neutral, approachable expression
- • Sharp focus; natural skin tone; no heavy filters
- • Only you in the frame
- • Print quality high enough that edges stay crisp when pasted
- • Passport 35×45 used without re-crop
- • Casual selfie angle or bathroom mirror shot
- • Busy café background
- • Over-smoothed beauty mode
- • Wrong orientation (landscape vs portrait)
What size is a 履歴書 photo?
Many forms use about 30×40 mm. Always read the form; some employers specify otherwise.
Same as passport 35×45?
No. Re-crop; do not stretch.
Suit required?
Usually expected for 就活. Follow industry norms for your role.
Can I use a booth machine?
Yes—booths are common. Home smartphone photos also work when rules are met.
Colour or black-and-white?
Colour is standard today unless a form says otherwise.
How recent?
Use a current likeness. Replace photos that no longer look like you.
Digital résumé upload?
Export a sharp JPEG/PNG as required by the portal; avoid heavy compression.
Smile?
Keep a calm closed-mouth expression unless the employer asks otherwise.