How to Choose an ID Photo Studio in Japan and What to Expect [For Job Hunting & Career Changes]
An ID photo studio is a place where a professional photographer takes your photo. It is a good fit if you want to look your best in a photo for job hunting (shukatsu, the structured recruitment process for new graduates in Japan) or for changing jobs. When choosing a studio, check these three things and you can avoid mistakes: how the session works, how you receive your photo data, and whether retouching and resizing are included in the price.
If you are looking in Shinjuku, 19Studio Shinjuku is a studio specializing in job-hunting photos, just a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. Same-day booking is available. You can check availability on the 19Studio Shinjuku booking page.
Walking distance from Shinjuku Station2 min from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
Need it done fast & easy?Same-day booking OKSame-day pickup OK
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Contents
What Is an ID Photo Studio?
It is an ID photo taken by a photographer at a photo studio. Using proper lighting and a professional camera, the photographer checks your expression and posture as they shoot.
These photos are used for many purposes: résumés and entry sheets (the application forms many Japanese companies require from new graduates) for job hunting, application documents for changing jobs, passports and visas, and the My Number Card (Japan's national ID card), among others.
Studio vs. Photo Booth
Both have their advantages. Choose the one that suits your situation.
| Comparison | Studio | Photo Booth |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes the photo | A photographer | You press the button yourself |
| Expression and posture | You get guidance and advice | You check them yourself |
| Booking | Most studios require a reservation | No reservation needed |
| Retouching and editing | Varies by studio | Varies by machine |
| Best for | Job hunting or changing jobs, when you want to look your best | When you are in a hurry |
Your photo for job hunting or changing jobs is sometimes the first thing screeners see when reviewing your application. If you have the time, consider having it taken at a studio.
5 Tips for Choosing a Studio
- Location and access: A studio close to a station is easy to visit between classes or work.
- Ease of booking: Check whether same-day booking is available and whether you can see open time slots on the booking page.
- What the price includes: See whether photo data, retouching, and resizing are included. Some studios charge extra later, so check in advance.
- How you receive your photo: Many entry sheets are submitted online, so it is important to be able to get your photo as digital data.
- Whether it fits your purpose: Check that the studio can handle the type of photo you need, such as job hunting, changing jobs, or a passport or visa.
What Happens on the Day
The details vary by studio, but the general flow is as follows.
- Check in and tell the staff what the photo is for
- Get your appearance in order
- Have your photo taken, following the photographer's directions
- Review the shots and choose the photo you want to use
- Receive your photo data or prints
If you tell the staff the purpose at the start, they can shoot the photo to fit the size you need.
How to Prepare Before Your Shoot
Clothing
For job-hunting and career-change photos, a business suit is the standard choice. The day before, check that there are no wrinkles and that your collar and tie are straight.
Hairstyle
Style your hair so your face looks clean and clear. Keeping your bangs out of your eyes helps your expression come across.
What to bring
- Anything that shows the submission requirements (size, data format, etc.)
- A comb and a mirror for touching up your appearance
Checking the submission requirements beforehand helps you avoid having to retake the photo.
Getting Your Photo Taken in Shinjuku: 19Studio
19Studio Shinjuku is a studio specializing in job-hunting photos. It is a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, and it is also within walking distance of Shinjuku Station.
- Same-day booking OK
- Photo data, retouching, and resizing are all included, with no extra charges
- In addition to ID photos for job hunting and changing jobs, we also take photos for visas and passports
You can see open time slots on the booking page. Check availability and book at 19Studio Shinjuku
Summary
- An ID photo studio is a place where a photographer takes your ID photo
- Choose by situation: a photo booth if you are in a hurry, or a studio if you want to look your best
- When choosing, look at location, ease of booking, what the price includes, how you receive your photo, and whether the studio handles your purpose
- Before your shoot, check your clothing, your hairstyle, and the submission requirements to be safe
If you are looking for a studio in Shinjuku, please consider 19Studio Shinjuku as well. Go to the 19Studio Shinjuku booking page
- I 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.
Walking distance from Shinjuku Station2 min from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station19Studio Shinjuku — ID & Job-Hunting PhotosNeed it fast? No problemSame-day booking & same-day pickupCome empty-handed, shoot right awaySuit compositing option availableBook NowLatest posts
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