A data compression device includes an encoding unit that generates encoded data by compressing image data in units of a band. Encoded data storage units have addresses for storing encoded data for each band and a settings receipt unit receives start address settings in the storage units. A control unit stores the data in the storage units every time encoded data for each band is generated. A start address acquisition unit acquires the start address of an empty area where encoded data is not stored. The control unit sets the start address of an empty area in a storage unit different from the storage unit where the encoded data that is being generated is to be stored. The encoding unit then starts to generate encoded data for a next band, and stores the generated data in the storage unit indicated by the start address set in the setting receipt unit.