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.