An image processing apparatus, for processing an image signal representing pixel values of pixels so as to display an image including the pixels by an image display apparatus, includes a detection section for detecting a low frequency portion of the image signal, which corresponds to a first series of pixels having a first pixel value and a second series of pixels having a second pixel value different from the first pixel value, the second series of pixels following the first series of pixels; and a signal expansion section for expanding a prescribed portion of the low frequency portion of the image signal, the prescribed portion including at least one of the first series of pixels and the second series of pixels, such that the first pixel value is gradually changed to the second pixel value.