In a fusing device (100) for thermally fusing a developer image transferred onto a recording sheet (P), a nip plate (130) is disposed on an inner surface of a tubular fusing film (110) in such a manner that permits the fusing film (110) to slide along the nip plate (130), and configured to receive radiation of heat from a heating element (halogen lamp 120) disposed inside the fusing film (110). The fusing film (110) is nipped between the nip plate (130) and a backup member (pressure roller 150) to form a nip portion (N1) between the fusing film (110) and the backup member (150). The nip plate is bent to form a recessed portion (H1) which opens on an inner surface of the fusing film (110) and holds a lubricant (G).
