Japan SME Management Consultant Exam: Photo-Ticket Spec and How to Create It
Make a Shindanshi (SME management consultant) exam photo that meets the JF-CMCA spec, from a smartphone shot, for ¥200. Works for both the 1st-stage and 2nd-stage exams.
| Dimensions | 45mm × 35mm |
|---|---|
| Face length | Not specified |
| Top margin | Not specified |
| Background | Official spec requires only "a plain background" — a white or light-colored wall with even lighting is recommended |
| Shoot-by window | Taken within 6 months of application |
| Official issuer | Japan Federation of Certified Medium and Small Enterprise Management Consultants Associations (JF-CMCA) |
View the official source ↗(Last verified: 2026-05-26)
Verbatim official spec
The verbatim official spec from the JF-CMCA 1st-stage exam guide is shown below in the original Japanese.
- 「縦4.5cm×横3.5cm（パスポート申請用の写真のサイズ）で、最近６か月以内に撮影した脱帽正面向のもの（受験の際メガネを使用する場合はメガネを着用してください）、背景が無地のもの、胸から上を撮影した明瞭なもの」
Why this spec matters
The SME Management Consultant (Shindanshi) qualification is the only national license in the management-consulting field in Japan, established under Article 12 of the SME Support Act and administered by JF-CMCA (the federation designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry). The 1st-stage exam covers 7 multiple-choice subjects across 2 days; the 2nd stage is a written exam on 4 case studies plus an oral interview. R7 (2025) data: about 21,000 candidates sat the 1st stage with a 23.7% pass rate, while only 17.6% passed the 2nd stage — the straight-through pass rate is just 4–7%. The photo itself is a familiar passport size (35×45mm), but the procedural twist is critical: you attach the photo to your application form first, and then JF-CMCA mails you a separate "photo ticket" (写真票) that you must paste another copy of the photo onto and bring on exam day. The same spec photo is needed multiple times, so print extras up front.
How to create it for ¥200
With a smartphone and ¥200, you can prepare spec-compliant photos covering both your application and the day-of photo ticket in one go.
- 1
Take the photo on your smartphone
Stand against a plain, light-colored wall in a bright room. No hat. If you wear glasses on exam day, wear them in the shot. Neutral expression, eyes on the lens. - 2
AI removes the background and aligns to spec
Upload the photo. AI removes the background, detects your face, and auto-crops to the 35×45mm ratio. Fine-tune face position to 0.1mm precision if needed. - 3
Print at a Japan convenience store via QR code, then glue onto the photo ticket
After payment, a QR code and 8-digit user number arrive by email. Print on L-size glossy paper at any Japan conbini from ¥30, then paste a copy onto your photo ticket before exam day.
Create a Spec-Compliant Shindanshi Exam Photo for ¥200
AI auto-adjusts your smartphone shot to the 35×45mm JF-CMCA spec. A QR code for convenience-store printing is emailed to you — print extras and glue one onto your photo ticket before exam day.
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
Do the 1st-stage and 2nd-stage exams each need a separate photo?
Can I reuse the same photo for both the application form and the photo ticket?
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
Color or black-and-white?
Can I reuse the exam photo for the post-pass registration too?
Related content
Create a Spec-Compliant Shindanshi Exam Photo for ¥200
AI auto-adjusts your smartphone shot to the 35×45mm JF-CMCA spec. A QR code for convenience-store printing is emailed to you — print extras and glue one onto your photo ticket before exam day.
Create now — ¥200