An encoding method which enables smooth picture reproduction even when a stream comprising mutually-connected and individually-encoded video streams is continuously decoded. An encoding device, recording method, recording medium, and reproducing method used for the encoding method are also disclosed. The data occupation amount (Vdv) in a decoding buffer memory (2600) provided before a decoder for decoding coded data is set at a prescribed initial occupation amout (Bi) immediately before the decoding of the coded data of each picture group. The amount (Vdv) is found for every second prescribed period. The amount of assigned data is determined so that the amount (Vdv) immediately after the decoding of the coded data is larger than a prescribed final occupation amount (Bt) (Bt > Bi).