Photo Size for Your Japanese Job-Hunting Résumé: Standard Size & Online Application Tips

Job-Hunting ID Photos #Job-Hunting ID Photo #ID Photo #Digital Photo Submission #Job Hunting

April 4, 2022November 9, 2026 Chiharu

When job hunting in Japan, you will almost always need to submit a résumé (rirekisho) with a photo attached. Have you thought about the size of that ID photo?
Whether you apply on paper or online, it is very important to submit a photo in the correct size.

In this article, we'll walk you through the key points to watch out for when it comes to ID photo size!

The standard size is 4 × 3 cm, but some companies specify their own
What if your photo is the wrong size?
For online applications, watch the aspect ratio and file size
Summary

The standard size is 4 × 3 cm, but some companies specify their own

ID photos for job hunting in Japan are generally 4.0 × 3.0 cm (height × width).

The résumé forms sold at convenience stores and supermarkets in Japan usually have a photo space of 4.0 cm × 3.0 cm as well.

Recently, some companies ask you to download their own résumé template from their website, print it out, fill it in by hand, and submit it.

In that case, they may specify a size other than 4.0 × 3.0 cm.

Because the photo you prepared may not fit, print out the résumé early and check the required photo size in advance.

What if your photo is the wrong size?

So what should you do if the photo you prepared doesn't match the required size?

Here are two common cases.

<If your photo is larger than the space>

Since the frame is smaller than the photo, you could trim the photo to fit.
However, your face may end up too large for the frame.

That would give the photo an unnatural look.

<If your photo is smaller than the space>

Here the frame is larger than the photo.
If you paste it in as is, there will be a gap between the frame and the photo.

It is obvious at a glance that the size is wrong.

We can't say you'll be rejected just because of the photo size. But not following the company's instructions could be seen as breaking the rules, so the safest option is to prepare a new photo in the specified size.

Also, it is hard to cut an ID photo straight and neatly by yourself.
If you don't have a photo in a suitable size, have it reprinted or retaken, and leave the cutting to a professional.

For online applications, watch the aspect ratio and file size

For online applications (an online entry sheet, called entry sheet or ES in Japanese job hunting), companies often specify 560 × 420 px or 600 × 450 px, and the aspect ratio is 4:3.

For online applications, it is best to get the original digital file straight from the shoot.

You can also scan a printed photo to make a digital file, but the image quality drops, so we don't recommend it.

Be careful about file size when uploading. If the file is too large, the upload may fail. The limit (in MB) differs from company to company, but keeping the file under 2 MB will let you upload without problems in most cases.

If you're not confident adjusting the size and file size yourself, ask the photo studio to prepare your online-application data in the specified size and file size when you receive it.

Summary

In this article, we explained ID photo sizes.
Whether you submit on paper or online, pay close attention to size and other requirements.

At 19 Studio, when you choose the Standard Plan, we provide your data for online applications free of charge.
Apply with confidence, using an ID photo in the correct size that meets the requirements!

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.