To provide a remote control method and apparatus that performs remote control with a simpler operation under a simpler environment independently of an environment of a computer or the like connected to a network.

The remote control method for remotely controlling an apparatus of a control object controls the control object apparatus on the basis of contents of commands described in a title and / or a main text of electronic mail. Since a simple means such as a mobile phone can transmit / receive the electronic mail, the remote control method performs remote control with a simpler operation under a simple environment without the need for an environment of a computer or the like connected to a network.