A recording and reproducing apparatus includes at least one of a camera and a microphone so that at least one of video information obtained by the camera and sound information obtained by the microphone is recorded as message information, a reproducing unit which reproduces the message information, a designated time receiving unit which receives designation of time, and a person distinguishing unit which distinguishes presence or absence of a person. The reproducing unit performs the reproduction in accordance with the designated time and a distinction result of the person distinguishing unit.