A liquid crystal element is provided that can inhibit occurrence of voltage drop between one end and the other end of each electrode. A liquid crystal element (100) includes a liquid crystal layer LQ, a plurality of first arcuate electrodes (1), and a plurality of second arcuate electrodes (2). The first arcuate electrodes (1) are disposed concentrically about an optical axis (AX) of the liquid crystal element (100) and applies first voltage (Vi) to the liquid crystal layer (LQ). The second arcuate electrodes (2) are disposed concentrically about the optical axis (AX) and applies second voltage (V2) to the liquid crystal layer (LQ).