A resistive memory element that includes an element body and at least a pair of electrodes opposed to each other with at least a portion of the element body interposed therebetween. The element body is made of an oxide semiconductor as a polycrystalline body, which has a composition represented by the general formula: Ti1-xMxO2, wherein M is selected from at least one of Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu; and 0.005≦x≦0.05. The first electrode of the pair of electrodes is made of a material which can form a Schottky barrier which can develop a rectifying property and resistance change characteristics in an interface region between the first electrode and the element body. The second electrode is made of a material which provides a more ohmic junction to the element body as compared to that with the first electrode.