Abstract: A developing apparatus having a resilient developing roller for developing an image with a single-component toner includes a contacting mechanism for moving the developing roller into contact with a surface of an image carrier for developing the image and moving the developing roller in a forward direction at substantially the same speed as the image carrier. The width of a developing nip and a depth of bite between the image carrier and developing roller is set such that the traveling speed of the local portion of the developing roller that contacts the image carrier gradually decreases from a point at which contact starts and then gradually returns to the original speed. The width of the developing nip is at least 4 mm, the hardness of the developing roller is 20-40 degrees, the diameter of the developing roller is 40-100 mm, and the bite depth is equal to or greater than {fraction (1/100)} the radius of the developing roller.