NOVELTY - A negative electrode material comprises nodular-graphite particles derived from natural graphite particles. The nodular-graphite particles have volume average particle diameter (50%D) of 10-50 mu m, specific surface area of 2-6 m2/g, based on Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method, and R value (I1350/I1580) of 0.15 or less. The R value is the ratio of peak intensity (I 1350) of peak (B) having maximum intensity in the wave number 1350-1370 cm-1 to the peak intensity (I1580) of peak (A) having maximum intensity in the wave number 1580-1620 cm-1.    USE - Negative electrode material is used for negative electrode for lithium secondary battery (all claimed). Uses include but are not limited to mobile telephone, notebook computer, electronic device, electric vehicle, electric tool, auxiliary power supply, motor vehicle, electrical machine, electrochemical apparatus and hybrid capacitor.    ADVANTAGE - The lithium secondary battery formed using the negative electrode material has excellent discharge load capacity, and charging and discharging efficiency.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A negative electrode material comprises nodular-graphite particles derived from scale-like natural graphite particles. The nodular-graphite particles have volume average particle diameter (50%D) of 10-50 m m, true specific gravity of 2.22 g/cm3 or more, bulk density of 0.8 g/cm3 or more, specific surface area of 2-6 m2/g, based on Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method, and R value (I1350/I1580) of 0.15 or less. The R value is the ratio of peak intensity (I 1350) of peak (B) having maximum intensity in the wave number 1350-1370 cm-1 to the peak intensity (I1580) of peak (A) having maximum intensity in the wave number 1580-1620 cm-1, based on Raman spectrum analysis using laser beam having wavelength of 532 nm.    INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (a) lithium secondary battery, which consists of negative electrode (2), positive electrode and electrolyte; and    (b) manufacture of the negative electrode by of heat-processing the nodular-graphite particles originating in scale-like natural graphite particles at at least 1500 degrees C in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of lithium secondary battery.    Positive electrode (1)    Negative electrode (2)    Separator (3)    Positive electrode tab (4)    Negative electrode tab (5)