There is disclosed a memory element including a memory layer that has a magnetization and a magnetization direction thereof varies corresponding to information; a magnetization-fixed layer that has a magnetization; and an insulating layer that is provided between the memory layer and the magnetization-fixed layer, wherein an electron that is spin-polarized is injected in a lamination direction of a layered structure, and thereby the magnetization direction of the memory layer varies and a recording of information is performed with respect to the memory layer, and a Ta film in contact with a face of the magnetization-fixed layer, the face of the magnetization-fixed layer is opposite to the insulating layer side.