An image fiber includes an image fiber body having a twisted portion which
is formed by heating, softening, and twisting a portion of the image
fiber body. The rate of twist in the twisted portion is made to be
constant. Moreover, the rate of twist may preferably be set in a range
from 1.degree./mm to 4000.degree./mm. In addition, the rate of twist at
the beginning portion of the twisted portion and the rate of twist at the
end portion of the twisted portion may preferably be set in a range from
3.degree./mm to 400.degree./mm. The twisted portion may be provided with
a protective element.