A Surprising History: Who Invented the ID Photo Booth?

July 1, 2022October 31, 2026 Chiharu

These days, taking a photo anywhere, anytime and printing it right away is completely normal. In Japan, even part-time jobs and job hunting require you to submit a photo.
When you suddenly need an ID photo, the ID photo booth is a handy option. This time, we looked into where it all began!

Photography in Japan Began in the Edo Period

Photographic equipment first arrived in Japan in 1843, brought to Nagasaki on a Dutch ship. From the end of the Edo period into the Meiji era, photography techniques spread, and photo studios gradually increased, mainly in the Kanto region.

Back then, photos could only be taken in black and white, so color was reportedly painted on top of the prints by hand.

In 1889, roll film, considered the origin of modern photographic film, went on sale in the United States. Because it was so easy to carry and handle, photography quickly spread among ordinary people.

Japan's First ID Photo Booth: The "30-Minute Photo Box"

Around 1930, the "30-Minute Photo Box," the forerunner of today's ID photo booth, was born. Surprisingly, it was invented by Eiji Tsuburaya, the creator of Ultraman, Japan's famous TV superhero.

At the time, he was a cameraman at the Shochiku Kyoto Shimogamo Studio. He researched filming methods that emphasized realism and is said to have spent much of his salary on researching camera techniques.

However, his methods were not accepted by the actors and colleagues of the day, and he is said to have been treated quite coldly.

To supplement his research funds and living expenses, he put his film developing skills as a cameraman to use and started this photo box. He pitched it to the Daimaru department store on Shijo Street, and once it was installed on the second floor, it became a huge hit. He reportedly packed the boxes and developed the photos himself.

In 1948, he is said to have invented the "5-Minute Speed Automatic Photo Box," a fully automated version of the "30-Minute Photo Box."

What Do ID Photo Booths Look Like Today?

Earlier ID photo booths used instant cameras that shot and developed the photo on the spot, so it took several minutes to get your finished photo.

Today, most booths use a digital camera and a printer.

Printing is done in just a few dozen seconds.

They have become very convenient when you need an ID photo in a hurry.

That said, they still have some drawbacks, just as before. The camera height is fixed, so you have to adjust your own position to match it, and the number of free retakes is limited.

It is hard to check your appearance by yourself while shooting within a limited number of attempts, and we hear of people who paid extra to retake their photos.

Job hunting in particular can be a turning point in life, so many people want to take their photos carefully.

If convenience matters most to you, an ID photo booth is a good choice. If you want to take your photo carefully and get advice from experienced staff, we recommend using a photo studio.

That was a brief look at the history of the ID photo booth.

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.