Abstract: There is disclosed a method for crimping an open end of a can body. A male die is inserted into the can body through the open end in such a manner as to be coaxial therewith. Then, the female die is caused to fit on the opening end, and the female die is kept moving along the outer peripheral surface of the male die while moving the male die, inserted into the can body, in a releasing direction from the can body. Thus, the opening end is crimped by the relative movement of the male and female dies. There is also disclosed a crimping apparatus which includes at least one crimping mechanism, a holder for holding the can body at a prescribed position, a complex cam and a drive mechanism. The crimping mechanism includes male and female dies, follower members connected to the male and female dies, respectively. The cam includes first and second cam faces with which the first and second follower members are respectively held in engagement.