Full-scale tests were conducted on three types of traditional Japanese post-and-beam wall frames (2-Brace, 4-Brace and OSB sheathed frames) to determine the lateral loading resistance under monotonic and cyclic loading procedures. Twelve tests were conducted on 2.62 x 2.70 m frames, constructed with British Columbia Hem-fir timber and oriented strand board panels as sheathing (JIS - Japanese grade) provided by Ainsworth Lumber Ltd. Five specimens were tested monotonically using a loading rate of 0.13 mm/sec and seven specimens were tested cyclically using various loading protocols (UBC, UBC - modified and MOC). The ultimate loads measured in the monotonic tests were close to those measured in the cyclic tests but the corresponding displacements were much smaller for the cyclic tests in comparison with the monotonic tests. The experimental results showed the influence of the various cyclic loading procedures on the structural performance of the post-and-beam frames. The MOC-protocol induced a slightly lower capacity in comparison with the UBC-protocol. The 2-Brace and 4-Brace frames experienced higher initial stiffness and higher loads under lateral loading but they were relatively brittle systems. The sill failed in tension perpendicular to grain due to the fact that the nails from the metal plates used for the sill-post connection created a zone of concentrated tension perpendicular to grain stresses in the sill. In comparison with the 4-Brace frames the OSB frames experienced lower peak load but a substantially higher ductility. The results of this project suggest that the connectors used for these types of frames can be improved to obtain higher capacity and higher ductility.