A method for producing a negative electrode for lithium ion secondary batteries is provided, said negative electrode comprising a collector and a negative electrode active material layer on the collector. The method comprises: a step for forming a slurry that contains a negative electrode active material, a binder, a water-soluble polymer thickener and an aqueous solvent; and a step for forming acoating layer, which forms a negative electrode active material layer, by applying the slurry onto the collector and drying the thus-applied slurry in order to remove the aqueous solvent therefrom. The step for forming a slurry comprises: a step for forming a dispersion liquid in which the water-soluble polymer thickener is dissolved and an acrylic binder is dispersed; and a step for forming and stirring a mixture that contains the dispersion liquid and a powder material containing the negative electrode active material.