According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a housing, a first sensor configured to detect a user in front of the housing, an illumination light configured to emit light in an illumination direction, and an opening and closing element configured to open and close a portion of the housing. A second sensor is configured to detect the opening and the closing of the opening and closing element. An adjuster is configured to change a detection distance of the first sensor and the illumination direction in conjunction with each other by physical movement. A controller is configured to turn on the illumination light when the opening and closing element is open, and turn off the illumination light when is closed.