The membrane properties (membrane resistance and ion exchange capacity) of the five types of commercial anion exchange membrane, i.e. IOMAC, AHT, APS, AHA, AFN, were evaluated for the application in the alkaline electrolysis. The membrane resistance decreased in the order; in 1M KOH: AHT>IOMAC>AHA>AFN>APS; in 1M NaOH: AHT>IOMAC>AHA>APS>AFN. The ion exchange capacity decreased in the order: AFN>APS>AHT>AHA>IOMAC. The membrane life was determined from the change of membrane resistance in 1M KOH and NaOH with an increase of soaking time in 20 wt% KOH and 30 wt% NaOH solution. AHA membrane had a good membrane life in 20 wt% NaOH with its unchanged membrane resistance. And, AFN and AHA membrane had a good membrane life in 30 wt% NaOH with its unchanged membrane resistance.