Power generating apparatus and power generating method

When a rotating shaft member (140) rotates, a centrifugal force operates to a pressing member (152jk) (j=1 to J; k=1 to 6) which is fixed to the rotating shaft member (140). When the centrifugal force operates to the pressing member (152jk), the end portion of the second bar-like member (157), which is connected to a first bar-like member (156) on the other end portion, moves closer to a pressure transmitting member (130), and a contact member (158) connected to said end portion of the second bar-like member (157) presses the pressure transmitting member (130). When the pressure transmitting member (130) is pressed in this manner, the pressing force is applied to a piezoelectric element of an individual power generating section (122jp) which abuts on the R direction side of the pressing position of the pressure transmitting member (130). When the pressing force is applied to the piezoelectric element in this manner, the piezoelectric element continuously generates voltages. As a result, power can be generated at a high efficiency, while using the piezoelectric element.