Graphite, graphitizable carbon (soft carbon) and non-graphitizable carbon (hard carbon) have been investigated as anode materials for lithium ion secondary batteries. Graphite and hard carbon are now mainly put to practical use and both have their merits and demerits. In this article, characteristics and properties of graphite and hard carbon as lithium intercalation hosts are described and the possibility is discussed of novel hard carbon anode materials prepared from agricultural wastes such as bamboo saw dusts or coffee grounds.