The state of the art in both research and design for seismic evaluation and restoration of existing and damaged building in Japan is described. Emphasis is put on reinforced concrete buildings which have some experiences of severe damage due to recent destructive earthquakes.Technical guidelines for evaluation and restoration were compiled and published under the supervision of the administrative authority concerned. The guidelines were already applied to thousands of existing buildings and several damaged buildings. Fundamental policies of the guidelines and developed techniques with adequate modifications will be applicable to buildings all over the world.

KEY WORDS: Seismic evaluation, Restoration, Damage inspection, Existing buildings, Damaged buildings, Design guideline