This paper reports on a major survey of earthquake hazard response in neighbourhoods in Tokyo-Yokohama and Los Angeles, two metropolitan areas of highly industrialized nations which routinely exchange ideas in order to try to learn from the policies, practices and experiences of the other. Survey findings showed many similarities in hazard response and preferred public policy, but also important contrasts in behaviour, and significant differences in the factors associated with these behaviours. The findings suggest caution in bi-national policy-sharing unless such sharing is preceded by a careful study of local cultural contexts.