Positive electrode active material for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery using a non-aqueou

An object of the present invention is to provide a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a high post-cycle normal-temperature output retention. A positive electrode active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries includes a lithium transition metal oxide including at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to Group 5 of the periodic table. The lithium transition metal oxide includes a rare earth compound deposited on the surface thereof. Using tantalum as an element belonging to Group 5 of the periodic table is particularly preferable because it stabilizes the internal structure of particles in a suitable manner.