A variable-length code decoding apparatus has a first table storing part capable of converting the variable-length codes into first decoded data comprising successive zeros, a second table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code and for which corresponding decoded data comprises no zeros, a third table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code comprising a code length of N and for which corresponding decoded data comprises no zeros or capable of converting a combination of the variable-length codes, a bit shifting part configured to shift the input bitstream by a specific number of bits, a fourth table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code at a header of the bit-shifted input bitstream into fourth decoded data, a combining part configured to combine the second or the third decoded data and the fourth decoded data.