PURPOSE: To perform high-speed electrostatic heat-sensitive recording without the needs for development and fixation by using a system in which a heatsensitive chromogenic layer on a conductive base paper is colored by heat energy generated in discharging.

CONSTITUTION: For example, an electrostatic heat-sensitive recording paper 1 formed by laminating a heat-sensitive color forming layer 1b having a proper resistance value and a dielectric layer 1c on a conductive base paper 1a is put between a recording electrode 2 and a counter electrode 3. A high-voltage pulse is applied between the recording electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3, whereupon discharge pattern is formed in the dielectric layer by discharge generated and the heat-sensitive color forming layer is colored by Joule heat generated when discharge current (i) passes through air gap (d) and the heat- sensitive color forming layer 1b.