PURPOSE: To obtain favorable image quality, by transferring a record image by bringing that part of a ribbon corresponding to the record image into a foamed state by a thermal head, and recording the image on a recording paper through penetration of an ink through the foamed part of the ribbon.

CONSTITUTION: Picture element dot parts of a thermally foamable ribbon 17 corresponding a record image are heated by a head surface of a thermal head 18, whereby that parts corresponding to the record image are brought into a foamed state, and the record image is transferred. The ribbon 17 is paid out from a payout roller 19 in the state of being braked, and when it is passed between the thermal head 18 and a platen 16, the record image is transferred. Then, the ribbon 17 is slid between a nozzle 21 in which an ink is pressurized and a recording paper 12, and it is taken up by a roller 22. The nozzle 21 incorporates a valve 25 at a tip part thereof. When the valve 25 is out of contact with the surface of the recording paper 12, it prevents the ink from exuding. When the valve 25 is pressed against the surface of the recording paper 12 through the ribbon 17 therebetween, the ink is permitted to penetrate through the foamed parts of the ribbon 17 and to exude, whereby the record image is transferred onto the recording paper 12.