We reviewed the properties of mental imagery in aphantasia—a condition whereby individuals have difficulty in forming mental imagery, although their visual perception is intact. Individuals with aphantasia have demonstrated lower priming effects regarding visual imagery in the binocular rivalry paradigm. However, these individuals can complete visual short-term memory tasks normally via the use of verbal strategies (i.e., nonvisual strategies). Few studies have provided clear evidence regarding its neurological basis. Thus, future research is necessary to obtain evidence thereof. For object and spatial imagery, nearly no differences existed in spatial imagery between individuals with and without aphantasia with regard to the rating scores of imagery questionnaires, although individuals with aphantasia had a dysfunction in object imagery. We review the imagery model and the debate regarding aphantasia for which findings from studies on aphantasia may provide important suggestions for perceptual and imagery studies. We expect a better understanding of aphantasia will be promoted in society by developing studies that apply various approaches—including case studies, psychological tests, brain science, and educational support—following the present review article.
