1. An image processing apparatus for identifying a target area used as a target of processing among image data and performing predetermined processing, comprising: a processor device controlling a plurality of units, including: a division unit for dividing the image data into plural partial areas based on a predetermined division rule; a feature quantity generator that generates a feature quantity for each of the partial areas, the feature quantity being calculated from at least one of a value in a color space or a number of pixels included in the partial area; a saliency calculation unit that evaluates each partial area and calculates a saliency feature value for each of the partial areas; and a detecting unit for deciding a target area used as a target of predetermined processing based on the saliency feature value of each of the partial areas, wherein the saliency feature value is calculated based on (1) the feature quantity of the partial area being evaluated, (2) the feature quantities of partial areas adjacent to the partial area being evaluated, and (3) a number of pixels in areas between the partial area being evaluated and the partial areas adjacent to the partial area being evaluated.