A near-infrared-ray absorbing material which contains a cyanine compound represented by general formula (I), shows a narrow peak of light absorption in the range of wavelengths of 800-1,000 nm, and has excellent light resistance. In formula (I), R1 to R4, Y1, and Y2 each represents a hydrogen atom, a group of formula (II) or (II′), etc., and Anq− represents a q-valent anion, provided that at least R1 is a group of formula (II) or (II') or Anq− is an ion of formula (III); R11 to R13 each represents a hydrogen atom, hydroxy, etc.; and Z1 and Z2 each represents a C1-10 alkyl, etc. In formula (II′), the bond between G′ and T′ is a double bond or a conjugated double bond; G′ represents a carbon atom; T′ represents a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom; the ring including G′ and T′ represents a 6-membered ring, etc.; w′ is 0-4; and R01′ represents a hydrogen atom, hydroxy, etc. In formula (III), R5 and R6 each represents a C1-8 haloalkyl.