Paper binding apparatus and paper binding method

A paper binding method comprising:

• applying an adhesive tape to edge portions of a plurality of sheets that are overlapped in a thickness direction to form a paper bundle connected body;
• moving the paper bundle connected body in a reference direction that is along a main surface of the plurality of sheets while pinching the paper bundle connected body in the thickness direction;
• guiding the paper bundle connected body as the paper bundle connected body is moved with a guide plate positioned on one side of the paper bundle connected body and downstream of the pair of guides in a forward movement direction of the paper bundle connected body, the guide plate having at least one guide surface that causes the paper bundle connected body guided by the at least one guide surface to be bent;
• and
• further moving the paper bundle connected body in the forward movement direction to cause a leading edge of the paper bundle connected body to be guided and bent by the at least one guide surface and the edge portions of the plurality of sheets to be shifted from each other in the reference direction.