In a braking apparatus, a forcing device forces a movable portion in a direction that places a friction member in contact with a rotating body. A braking force releasing device displaces the movable portion in a direction in which the friction member separates from the rotating body in opposition to the forcing device. A buffering member is disposed between a fixed portion and the movable portion, and is made of a flexible material. A deforming device deforms the buffering member by pressing the buffering member in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the movable portion.