A method for making a negative electrode component used in a nonaqueous secondary battery that includes the steps of polishing the surface of the negative electrode component by irradiating the surface with light to produce a negative electrode that includes a carbonaceous material in which the ratio RG=Gs/Gb is at least 4.5, where Gs is the degree of graphitization the carbonaceous material as determined by a surface-enhanced Raman spectrum and Gb is degree of graphitization of the carbonaceous material as determined by a Raman spectrum measured using argon laser light and both Gs and Gb are measured under set parameters.