Abstract: A sheet metal punching apparatus 1 includes an upper die holder 2 which is raised and lowered by a hydraulic ram and the like; a pressing plate 3 secured to the upper die holder 2; a pressing pad 5 suspended from the upper die holder 2 through a resilient member 4; a punch holder 7 constructed as a punch unit secured to the pressing pad 5 by means of a bolt 6 and the like; a lower die 9 on which thin sheet metal 8 to be subjected to punching is placed; and a die 10 embedded in the lower die 9.