According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus and an image processing method includes a dictionary generation unit, a processed image generation unit, and a detection unit. The dictionary generation unit generates a single dictionary using a plurality of images of a detection target object picked up by a camera. The plurality of images is obtained by arranging the detection target object at a corresponding plurality of positions in a predetermined range such that a predetermined visual axis of the camera is parallel with a normal-line direction of a detection target surface of the detection target object. The processed image generation unit generates a processed image having the predetermined visual axis as a normal-line direction, based on an image picked up by the camera after generation of the dictionary. The detection unit detects the detection target object included in the processed image by determining a feature value using the dictionary.