A bent state holding mechanism for an endoscope which includes a control portion and an insertion portion extending therefrom, the insertion portion having a bendable portion at a distal end thereof, including a bendable portion control mechanism provided on the control portion, which is operated to bend the bendable portion, and at least two frictional resistance producing members which rotate relative to each other upon operation of the bendable portion control mechanism, to exert a frictional resistance for holding the bendable portion at any operated position. The two frictional resistance producing members include a radial plate spring made of resilient metal which includes a ring portion and a plurality of radial projections which project radially outwards from the ring portion; and an annular friction member having a pressure surface which is brought to be pressed obliquely against flat surfaces of the plurality of radial projections.