If you have ever tried to print a "B5" document in Japan and found the result was the wrong size, you have hit one of the most confusing aspects of printing in Japan: the country uses two different B-series standards simultaneously.
The Two B-Series Standards
ISO B-series (used in Europe and most of the world):
- B5: 176 × 250 mm
- B4: 250 × 353 mm
- B3: 353 × 500 mm
JIS B-series (used in Japan):
- B5: 182 × 257 mm
- B4: 257 × 364 mm
- B3: 364 × 515 mm
Japan's JIS B-series is approximately 1.5 times the area of the equivalent A-series sheet — a different ratio from ISO. Most Japanese printers, offices, and photocopiers default to JIS B-series. If you send a file sized to ISO B5, it will print slightly wrong on a Japanese machine.
The A-Series Is the Same Everywhere
Good news: ISO A-series sizes are universal. A4 is A4 everywhere — 210 × 297 mm. A3, A5, A6 are all identical in Japan and internationally.
Which Sizes Do We Use?
At Print Japan, we print to both standards. Here is a quick reference for our most common products:
| Product | Common Size |
|---|---|
| Business cards | 91 × 55 mm (JIS standard) |
| Leaflets | A4, A5, A6 (ISO) |
| Booklets | A4, A5 (ISO) |
| Posters | A1, A2, B2 (JIS), B1 (JIS) |
| Menus | A4, A5 (ISO) |
How to Set Up Your File
When setting up your design file:
1. Use the exact dimensions from the table above
2. Add 3mm bleed on all sides
3. Use CMYK colour mode (not RGB)
4. Export as PDF with fonts embedded
If you are unsure about sizing, send us your file and we will check it before we print.
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