While Fourier transformation of a signal light beam is performed to
perform recording during holographic recording so that a focal point is
formed outside a holographic recording layer (defocus recording), an
aperture is arranged on an outgoing side of the reproduced signal light
beam (reproduction light beam), the reproduction light beam is focused at
the aperture, and low-order components of a Fourier transform image of
the reproduction light beam are selectively transmitted to detect only
the transmitted light beam. Therefore, information recorded as the
hologram in the holographic recording layer can be reproduced with high
S/N ratio from the holographic recording layer added onto a support body,
particularly onto a sheet member having non-optical quality such as paper
and a plastic card.