Provided is a negative electrode in which during manufacture thereof a negative electrode paste has an appropriate viscosity, and which is capable of preventing an increase in resistance of a battery when left at a high temperature for a long period of time. A negative electrode disclosed herein includes a negative electrode current collector, and a negative electrode active material layer supported by the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer contains a negative electrode active material, and a trace component. The trace component is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si, Ca, and Cr. The content of the trace component is not less than 10 mass ppm and not more than 800 mass ppm with respect to the negative electrode active material.