[Problem] To provide a photoacoustic image generating device with which the location of a puncture needle can be ascertained by photoacoustic imaging. [Solution] A laser (13) emits a laser beam. The laser beam is irradiated from a light-irradiating means towards a subject. A puncture needle (15) has a light-emitting unit (16), and laser beam irradiation is implemented via the light-emitting unit (16). A probe (11) detects the photoacoustic signal generated when a light absorber within the subject absorbs the laser beam irradiated from the light-irradiating means. The probe (11) also detects the photoacoustic signal generated when a light absorber within the subject absorbs a laser beam emitted from the light-emitting unit (16). An image generating means (23) generates a photoacoustic image on the basis of the photoacoustic signals.
