a light shutter device which has a plurality of light transmitting portions on a planar plzt substrate . by applying voltages between a common electrode and individual electrodes to apply electric fields to the light shutter elements , the light shutter elements transmit and shut light individually . suppose each of the individual electrodes faces the common electrode at a distance l and has a dimension w in a direction perpendicular to the direction of electric field , w / l & gt ; 2 . suppose each of the individual electrodes has a dimension d in the direction of electric field , preferably d / l & gt ; 0 . 5 . further , the individual electrodes are so placed that the distance between a side of one light shutter element which extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of electric field and each of the individual electrodes which drive the other light shutter elements is not less than 5l .