An image processing apparatus including a processor comprising hardware. The processor being configured to: divide an imaging signal that is obtained by capturing an image of an inside of a subject into a first base component and a detail component, the first base component corresponding to an illumination component of an object, the detail component corresponding to a reflectance component of the object; generate a second base component by performing a color enhancement process on the first base component for increasing color gradation in a predetermined color space; and synthesize the second base component and the detail component to output a synthesized signal. Where the color enhancement process is an enhancement processing on the first base component for extending a color distribution range of at least one component of an L component, an a component, and a b component in a Lab color space.