The present invention provides a method for manufacturing zinc oxide whiskers having a crystalline body for industrial use. The method comprises placing zinc powder coated with an oxide film on the surface thereof on the bottom surface of a container, heating the zinc powder in an atmosphere containing oxygen thus generating zinc oxide whiskers. The container has one open surface opposite to the bottom surface and the side surfaces have apertures of 20% or more. This method allows for easy control over the size distribution and generating ratio of the zinc oxide whiskers.
