A three-level procedure for seismic capacity evaluation of existing reinforced concrete buildings, developed in Japan, is reviewed. The paper describes basic principles and their background which formed the basis of the evaluation method. The outline of the three-level procedure is given and the applications of the procedure to buildings which experienced several recent destructive earthquakes in Japan, are reviewed. A seismic protection index, to determine the appropriate level of seismic capacity, is proposed. A hypothetical four-storey frame building in New Zealand is evaluated by the three-level procedure. Subsequently comments are offered with respect to problems that may arise if the Japanese procedures were to be applied to buildings in New Zealand.