There are provided a method of producing an anode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery which is suitable for use in a high input/output current-type non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery exemplified by a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), has reduced irreversible capacity and superior charge-discharge efficiency, and an anode material obtained by the above production method.A method of producing an anode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery from a petroleum-based pitch material, comprising a tar removal step in which an infusibilized pitch having an oxygen content of 5 to 20 wt % is heated to a temperature of 480° C. to 700° C. while flowing an inert gas at the space velocity of 0 to 120 (min−1).