A first electrode layer capable of transmitting visible light, a displaying layer, whose optical characteristics alter in accordance with an electric field, an optical switching layer capable of exhibiting electrical conductivity when being exposed to an electromagnetic wave, and a second electrode layer, which is provided with linear electrodes arrayed in parallel and capable of transmitting the electromagnetic wave, are overlaid in this order. A voltage is applied to each of the linear electrodes and in accordance with image information. Scanning with the electromagnetic wave is performed in two-dimensional directions and from the side of the second electrode layer, the optical characteristics of the displaying layer altering in accordance with an electric field formed between the first electrode layer and the optical switching layer, the image information being thereby displayed.