A direct power converter includes a converter that rectifies a single-phase AC voltage, converts AC power into DC power, and outputs first instantaneous power; a power buffer circuit that receives and supplies power between the converter and a DC link and that performs buffering second instantaneous power; and an inverter that converts a DC voltage at the DC link into a second AC voltage and outputs the second AC voltage. A period for which a current that flows from the converter to the power buffer circuit continuously flows in a period shorter than a half-period of the AC voltage is longer when third power input to the inverter, fourth power output by the inverter, or an average value of the first instantaneous power decreases to a value which is less than a first threshold, from a value which is greater than or equal to a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold.