The present invention provides a broad band light absorbing photocatalyst which has a high absorptivity not only for visible light but also, in particular, for ultraviolet light, exhibits photocatalytic activity in response to a broad band light over a long period, has a high adsorptivity for objects to be decomposed, and can exhibit oxidative decomposition effect, antibacterial effect, antifouling effect, etc. The broad band light absorbing photocatalyst of the present invention includes an apatite having photocatalytic activity, a visible light absorbing metal atom and an ultraviolet light absorbing metal atom and the ultraviolet light absorbing metal atom is at least one of tungsten (W) and vanadium (V).