An initialization apparatus that has a simplified configuration and that forms an initial hologram in an information recording medium is provided. An initialization apparatus (10) rotates an optical disk (100) and emits blue light beams (Lb1) and (Lb2) to either side of the optical disk (100) while causing a red light beam (Lr1) to follow a track formed in a reference layer (102). Thus, the initialization apparatus (10) can perform an initialization process in which a linear initial hologram IH is formed in a recording layer (101) in a spiral pattern that corresponds to the track formed in a reference layer (102). Accordingly, the initialization apparatus (10) can form a planar initial hologram layer (YH) with significantly reduced optical energy or thermal energy emitted to the optical disk (100) at one time.