Electrode, manufacturing method thereof, and metal vapor discharge lamp

An electrode manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode by bringing an end of a first electrode part in a rod shape into contact with an end of a second electrode part in a rod shape having a melting point higher than that of the first electrode part, and welding the same, the method comprising the steps of:

• bringing ends of the first and second electrode parts into contact with each other so as to be pressed against each other;
• and
• subsequently welding the electrode parts by irradiating contact ends of the electrode parts or vicinities thereof with a laser beam,
• wherein a position irradiated with the laser beam is set on a side of the second electrode part with respect to a plane of contact of the electrode parts.