VARIABLE-LENGTH CODE DECODING APPARATUS AND METHOD

To commence decoding at the point in time when a predetermined amount of a bitstream has been accumulated, and complete the decoding even in the case where the code length of the codeword at the end of the bitstream is less than a predetermined amount. A variable-length code decoding apparatus (10) that decodes a bitstream includes: a storage unit (111) that stores a variable-length code table (113); a bitstream cutout unit (100) that outputs a bit string of a fixed length; a reference unit (112) that outputs decoded data and a code length with reference to the storage unit (111); a determination unit (102) that determines whether a bit string of the fixed length is accumulated; a determination unit (103) that determines whether a bit string of a length that is shorter than the fixed length is accumulated; and a selection unit (104) that selects one of the determination results from the determination units (102 and 103). The bitstream cutout unit (100) sets a starting bit based on the selected determination result, and the selection unit (104) switches the selection of the determination results from the determination units (102 and 103).