A motion vector searching apparatus includes: a memory that stores a set of instructions, and stores a first motion vector selected as a motion vector for each of blocks into which an input image is divided; and at least one processor configured to execute the set of instructions to: generate candidate vectors on a basis of a predetermined search area; calculate ratings of the generated candidate vectors on a basis of the first motion vector for each of adjacent blocks, the generated candidate vectors, the input image and the reference image, the adjacent blocks being the blocks that are included in the input image and located around an object block; and select as a second motion vector of the object block a candidate vector based on the ratings from among the candidate vectors.