In a recording medium manufacturing method for obtaining a recording medium by effecting a surface smoothing treatment on a surface smoothing treatment surface of a surface of a medium, the surface smoothing treatment surface of the medium is locally pressed by a polishing work tape having a pressure area less than 1 mm, more preferably, less than 0.5 mm with respect to both radial direction and tangential direction relative to rotation of the medium. In a polishing work of recording medium manufacturing process, a problem of occurrence of defects such as scratches on the surface layer can be improved, whereby yield can be increased and mass-productivity can be improved.