A phosphor with high efficiency having an excitation band corresponding to light of the ultraviolet-visible (300 to 550 nm) wavelength region emitted from a light emitting portion which emits blue or ultraviolet light is provided. A nitride of Ca, a nitride of Al, a nitride Si, and an oxide of Eu are prepared, and respective raw materials are weighed so that a mol ratio of respective elements becomes Ca:Al:Si:Eu=0.985:3:1:0.015, mixed under a nitrogen atmosphere, and thereafter fired at 1500.degree. C. in a nitrogen atmosphere to thereby produce a phosphor having a composition formula Ca.sub.0.985SiAlN.sub.3:Eu.sub.0.015.