According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an interface that receives a first image and a second image. A processor extracts a first character string appearing on the first image, and a second character string appearing on the second image. The processor determines that both the first character string and the second character string correspond to a photographed subject in the first image and second image. The processor cuts out each of the characters constituting the first character string, in units of a character. The processor cuts out each of the characters constituting the second character string, in units of a character. The processor calculates a first similarity degree group and a second similarity degree group. The processor recognizes a character string of the subject, based on the first similarity degree group and the second similarity degree group.