An image processing apparatus includes a memory and circuitry. The memory is configured to store a result of inspection. The inspection includes: comparison of a sample image data and a first read image data that is data of an image formed on a recording medium and read; and determination whether the image indicated by the first read image data is abnormal. The memory is configured to store the result of inspection in association with the image determined as an abnormal image. The circuitry is configured to receive second read image data from a discarding apparatus. The circuitry is configured to specify image data according to which an image is formed, based on the abnormal image stored in the memory and the second read image data received. The circuitry is configured to instruct formation of the image according to the image data specified.