A negative electrode for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries has a mixture layer including a composite negative electrode active material which is composed of active material cores capable of charging and discharging at least lithium ions; carbon nanofibers; and catalyst elements. The carbon nanofibers are attached to the surfaces of the active material cores. The catalyst elements are at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, and manganese, and promote the growth of the carbon nanofibers. The active material cores have the carbon nanofibers therebetween.