A variable-length-code decoding device decodes bit streams encoded in conformity with a plurality of coding systems. The device includes a decoding unit (100) decoding variable length codes encoded by the plurality of coding systems, a stream input unit (10) inputting the variable length codes, and an interface (30) interfacing the decoding unit with the stream input unit. The stream input unit and the interface are shared in the plurality of coding systems. The necessity of providing stream input units for every coding systems is removed, thereby an increase in circuit area can be suppressed. Since the interface connects the stream input unit and the decoding unit, application of this invention to other coding systems or to other combinations of coding systems is easily realized.