To improve modification result where areas targeted for modification overlap, an image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus has a modification area establishing unit capable to establish a plurality of modification areas on a target image by analyzing the target image; an overlap detecting unit that detects overlapping of the plurality of modification areas; and a modification processing unit that modifies an image within a partial area including an overlapping portion of the plurality of modification areas in a reduced modification level in the case that the overlapping is detected by the overlap detecting unit, the reduced modification level being smaller than a modification level used in the case that the overlapping is not detected, the partial area belonging to at least one of the plurality of modification areas.