The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive
member and an image forming apparatus provided with the same. The
electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a substantially
cylindrical body and a photosensitive layer having a latent image forming
area formed on the body. The photosensitive layer includes a first end in
the axial direction of the latent image forming area and a second end
located opposite to the first end in the axial direction. The first end
is pressed harder than the second end. In the photosensitive layer,
thickness or dynamic indentation hardness at the first end at one side of
the latent image forming area is larger than thickness or dynamic
indentation hardness at the second end located opposite to the first end
in the axial direction of the latent image forming area.