Can I apply directly at the Embassy with a different photo size?

No. The Embassy's page sends all visa applications to JVAC and says applications on non-prescribed forms are declined.

Does the Japanese passport use the same size?

No — the Japanese passport is a different document with its own specification; see its page.

What size is a Japan visa photo when applying from Singapore?

TL;DR 45 × 35 mm — not the 45 × 45 mm square most sites lead with. The Japan Visa Application Centre in Singapore states one size, plus rules the square-size guides never mention: no spectacles, hair tied back, no border, glossy photo paper, and a photo not used on any previous visa or ID.

Why the guides disagree with the centre

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes no photo size on its visa index; it defers to each mission. Guides that cite the ministry are therefore citing nothing, and fill the gap with 45 × 45 "or 50 × 50, 45 × 35 or 40 × 30". The JVAC Singapore specification, which is the one an applicant here is bound by, is 45 mm × 35 mm, also written as 2 × 1.4 inches.

The full JVAC list

Not more than 6 months old; not used on any previous visa or ID; 45 × 35 mm; colour on a plain white background; hair tied and no spectacles; taken looking straight forward with the face about 70% of the frame; no outline border; glossy finish on photo paper, not A4 bond paper.

Two rules that catch people

Spectacles. Most countries allow clear glasses; JVAC says no spectacles, full stop. Reuse. The photo on your passport or a previous visa cannot be submitted again, even if it is under six months old. Korea's visa has the same reuse rule.

The figures, from the catalogue

Document	Size	Head in frame (as we compose it)	Background	Max age	Source
Japan visa	35 × 45 mm	66–74%	plain white	6 months	visa.vfsglobal.com
Japan passport	35 × 45 mm	71–80%	plain white	6 months	www.mofa.go.jp

A real case

An applicant brought 45 × 45 prints to JVAC, made to the first size on a popular guide. They were the wrong shape. The centre's own sheet, on the counter, said 45 × 35 and no spectacles — she was wearing glasses in them too. Two rules, one wasted trip.

Common questions

Can I apply directly at the Embassy with a different photo size?: No. The Embassy's page sends all visa applications to JVAC and says applications on non-prescribed forms are declined.
Does the Japanese passport use the same size?: No — the Japanese passport is a different document with its own specification; see its page.

Sources

Read on the issuing authority's own pages on the dates shown on each document page:

Japan visa: visa.vfsglobal.com (read 2026-09-06)

SGfoto is independent — not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority — and does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements change; the authority's page is the one that counts. Rebuilt 2026-09-06.