Abstract: A medium processing apparatus includes a conveyor, a liquid applier, a crimper, a movement assembly, and circuitry. The crimper presses and deforms at least a portion of a plurality of media including a medium to which liquid is applied by the applier, to bind the media. The circuitry causes the assembly to move the applier from a standby position to a position at which the applier faces a liquid application position on the medium before the medium is conveyed to a position at which the liquid is applied; causes the applier to apply the liquid when the medium is conveyed to the position at which the applier faces the liquid application position; causes the assembly to not move the applier to the standby position until application of the liquid to the media ends; and causes the assembly to move the applier to the standby position after the application ends.