Image forming apparatus and image forming method

摘要

An image forming apparatus and an image forming method are provided that realize both the use of a decolorizing toner and a non-decolorizing toner and miniaturization of the apparatus. An image forming apparatus employing an intermediate transfer system includes: a primary transfer belt that carries a transferred toner image; a decolorizing toner process unit that is a process unit configured to form a toner image with a decolorizing toner and transfer the decolorizing toner image to the primary transfer belt; a non-decolorizing toner process unit that is a process unit arranged downstream from the decolorizing toner process unit in a traveling direction of the toner image on the primary transfer belt and configured to form a toner image with a non-decolorizing toner and transfer the non-decolorizing toner image to the primary transfer belt; and a secondary transfer roller that is arranged downstream from the non-decolorizing toner process unit in the traveling direction of the toner image on the primary transfer belt and transfers the toner image on the primary transfer belt to a sheet.