A battery capable of improving cycle characteristics is provided. An anode includes: an anode current collector, and an anode active material layer arranged on the anode current collector, in which the anode active material layer includes an anode active material including silicon (Si), and including a pore group with a diameter ranging from 3 nm to 50 nm both inclusive, and the volumetric capacity per unit weight of silicon of the pore group with a diameter ranging from 3 nm to 50 nm both inclusive is 0.2 cm3/g or less, the volumetric capacity being measured by mercury porosimetry using a mercury porosimeter.