Japan Common Test (Kyotsu Test) Photo Spec and How to Create It
Make the photo for Japan's Common University Entrance Exam — now Web-application-only from Reiwa 8 (FY2026) — for ¥200, fully compliant with DNC rules.
| Dimensions | 40mm × 30mm |
|---|---|
| Face length | Not specified |
| Top margin | Not specified |
| Background | Plain background — no specific color, but the facial outline must be clearly distinguishable |
| Shoot-by window | Taken within 6 months of application |
| Official issuer | National Center for University Entrance Examinations (DNC) |
View the official source ↗(Last verified: 2026-05-26)
Verbatim official spec
The verbatim rules from Japan's National Center for University Entrance Examinations (DNC) are shown below in the original Japanese.
- 「令和7年7月1日以降に撮影した上半身・無帽・無背景の顔写真データを使用し、鮮明な画像（カラー・白黒は問いません）であれば、スマートフォンやデジタルカメラで撮影した写真でも構いませんが、アプリ等で加工・修正を施したものは使用できません」
- 「試験時間中に眼鏡をかける者は，眼鏡をかけて撮影してください」
- 「顔写真データのサイズは5MB以内，形式は「.jpg」「.jpeg」「.jpe」「.png」「.heic」「.heif」のいずれかとすること」
Why this spec matters
Japan's Common University Entrance Exam (Daigaku Nyushi Kyotsu Test) is the largest standardized test in Japan, with roughly 500,000 candidates each year. From Reiwa 8 (FY2026) onward, applications moved to a Web-only format requiring a digital face photo. The application window is short — typically about two weeks from late September to early October — so a photo rejection directly disrupts your entire exam application schedule. The rule "no app-edited or app-retouched photos" is stricter than most Japanese ID photo regulations: beauty filters, skin smoothing, and color correction are all prohibited, making the choice of capture and processing method critical.
How to create it for ¥200
With a smartphone and ¥200, you can prepare a fully DNC-compliant Common Test photo in about two minutes.
- 1
Shoot on your smartphone (no app editing)
Stand against a plain wall in a bright room. Face the camera directly, upper body only, no headwear. If you wear glasses during the test, wear them. Use only the standard camera app — beauty filters must be turned off. - 2
AI removes the background and adjusts to DNC spec
Upload the photo. AI evens out the background to a plain backdrop, detects your face, and auto-crops to 30×40mm (600×450px). No skin-color correction is applied, in compliance with the "no editing" rule. - 3
Upload digital file to Web application — or print at a convenience store
The output is exported as JPEG under 5MB, ready to upload directly to the DNC Web application. You can also print the same photo at any Japan convenience store from ¥30 for the L-size paper version you bring on test day.
Create a Common Test Photo for ¥200
AI auto-adjusts your unedited smartphone shot to the DNC official spec. You get the digital file for Web application and a convenience-store print version for test day, in one go.
Create now — ¥200What Ramune AI ID Photo offers
Even for a tight spec like My Number, you can finish the entire shoot → process → print workflow in your browser.
0.1mm face position adjustment
Drag the hairline, chin, and face-width guides — or type the millimetre value — to fit inside even a 4mm-wide regulatory window like the My Number spec.
Auto-generated L-size print sheet
Multiple photos optimally arranged on L-size paper with cut marks. Print directly at home or at a convenience store.
AI removes the background automatically
Walls or objects in the original shot are auto-removed; AI converts the photo to the plain background the spec requires.
AI skin smoothing with a natural finish
Auto-reduces blemishes and uneven tone while keeping a natural look. Choose between the original and the smoothed version.
Print at 55,000 convenience stores nationwide
Scan a QR code at the multi-copy machine in 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, Ministop, or Poplar — L-size prints from ¥30.
5-language support, no app required
Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese — works entirely in your smartphone browser without installing an app.
Frequently asked questions
Are mild beauty filters really not allowed?
I normally wear contacts but plan to wear glasses on test day — which should I use for the photo?
Is HEIC format really accepted?
What if my file exceeds 5MB?
Can I submit a black-and-white photo?
Related content
Create a Common Test Photo for ¥200
AI auto-adjusts your unedited smartphone shot to the DNC official spec. You get the digital file for Web application and a convenience-store print version for test day, in one go.
Create now — ¥200