Provided is an image processing apparatus configured to perform by itself image erasing and image recording to a thermally reversible recording medium by irradiating it with laser light and heating it, including a laser light emitting unit, a laser light scanning unit, a focal length control unit, and an information setting unit. During image erasing, the focal length control unit performs control to defocus at the position of the thermally reversible recording medium. During image recording, the focal length control unit performs control to be at a focal length from the position of the thermally reversible recording medium. Immediately after image erasing based on image erasing information set by the information setting unit is completed, image recording is performed based on image recording information.