The method involves inputting a frame as a target for encoding the frame. The maximum delay time of the frame is calculated from a display time of the frame. An encoding time and a delay time are incurred by a backward prediction. A maximum delay time is output in addition to encoded data when a moving picture having frames is encoded. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a video decoding method (b) a video encoding apparatus (c) a video decoding apparatus (d) a video encoding program (e) a video decoding program.