Job Hunting Season Begins! What to Watch Out for When Getting Your ID Photo Taken in March and April

Job-Hunting ID Photos #Job-Hunting ID Photo #Outfit #Job Hunting

March 24, 2023November 10, 2026 Chiharu

March and April are when job hunting (shukatsu) officially kicks off in Japan, and many people get their ID photos taken for applications.
But it's also a season with its share of headaches: pollen in the air, and temperatures and weather that change from day to day.

Here are some things worth keeping in mind if you're getting your ID photo taken in March or April!

1. Book your photo studio early

You'll need an ID photo for job hunting no matter what, so the golden rule is not to put it off. Get it ready as early as you can.

Many job seekers get their photos taken right when the job-hunting season opens, so photo studios get very crowded at this time of year. Weekday afternoons and weekends are especially popular, so we recommend booking with plenty of time to spare. Many studios also don't accept same-day or last-minute bookings, so it never hurts to reserve early.

Some companies even ask you to upload your photo to your applicant account page (the "My Page" login area on a company's recruiting site) before you can see the details of the entry sheet (ES, the application form used in Japanese job hunting). That's why preparing ahead really matters.

2. Keep an eye on the weather

The weather in March and April is unsettled, with sudden rain and big swings in temperature. Strong winds are common too. On the day of your shoot, a sudden downpour or gust could mess up your hair and outfit, and sharp temperature changes could leave you feeling unwell. This is also a busy time when job hunting is just getting started, so fatigue builds up easily. Take extra care of your health. Check the weather forecast more closely than usual so you can arrive at your shoot in top condition.

3. Dress for the weather

As mentioned in point 2, temperatures go up and down easily at this time of year, so dress to suit the temperature on your shoot day.

If you have job-hunting errands before or after your shoot, it's a good idea to have an outer layer that goes well with your suit. Check the forecast and choose between a trench coat and a winter coat depending on the day.

If owning several coats to match your suit sounds like a hassle, we recommend a trench coat with a removable liner. Wear it with the liner when it's cold, and without the liner when it gets a little warmer, so you can adapt to the temperature. Make sure the trench coat isn't shorter than your suit jacket. Classic, understated colors such as beige, khaki, or navy are also a good choice.

4. Prepare for hay fever

Pollen counts are high in March and April, which makes it a tough season for anyone with hay fever (pollen allergies). Symptoms can show up in your photo, so take allergy precautions in advance, such as taking medication, and try to avoid a runny nose or sneezing during the shoot.

Skin also tends to get irritated at this time of year from blowing your nose too often and from allergic reactions to pollen. We recommend moisturizing every day and using gentle, skin-friendly tissues.

Even if your skin does get irritated, a studio shoot can often be retouched. At 19Studio, we do this kind of skin retouching free of charge, so please feel free to ask our staff!

That's our guide to what to watch out for when getting your ID photo taken in March and April.
The real start of job-hunting season begins with your photo! Keep that momentum going and make it through your job search.

Chiharu: Loves writing articles and is studying copywritingI love writing and I'm currently studying copywriting. I turn the questions our guests often ask and the things I notice in the studio into easy-to-read articles about job-hunting and ID photos, so that even first-timers can understand them.