An information playback apparatus includes a first FIR filter, ideal signal generator, weighted equalization error calculator, and coefficient calculator. The first FIR filter generates an equalized waveform by equalizing, to a partial response waveform, a playback data string obtained by playing back a recorded signal recorded on an information recording medium. The ideal signal generator generates a target waveform serving as an equalization target. The weighted equalization error calculator calculates a data string by performing convolution computation for an equalization error which is a difference between the equalized waveform and the target waveform, on the basis of one of the playback data string and the equalized waveform input from the first FIR filter and the target waveform input from the ideal signal generator. The coefficient calculator calculates a tap coefficient for the first FIR filter on the basis of the data string input from the weighted equalization error calculator, and outputs the tap coefficient to the first FIR filter. An information playback method is also disclosed.