We consider the applicability of laboratory-derived rate-and state-variable friction laws to the dynamic rupture of the 1995 Kobe earthquake. We analyze the shear stress and slip evolution of Ide and Takeo's [1997] dislocation model, fitting the inferred stress change time histories by calculating the dynamic load and the instantaneous friction at a series of points within the rupture area. For points exhibiting a fast-weakening behavior, the Dieterich-Ruina friction law, with values of d_c = 0.01–0.05 m for critical slip, fits the stress change time series well. This range of d_c is 10–20 times smaller than the slip distance over which the stress is released, D_c, which previous studies have equated with the slip-weakening distance. The limited resolution and low-pass character of the strong motion inversion degrades the resolution of the frictional parameters and suggests that the actual d_c is less than this value. Stress time series at points characterized by a slow-weakening behavior are well fitted by the Dieterich-Ruina friction law with values of d_c≥0.01–0.05 m. The apparent fracture energy G_c can be estimated from waveform inversions more stably than the other friction parameters. We obtain a G_c ≈ 1.5×l0⁶ J m⁻² for the 1995 Kobe earthquake, in agreement with estimates for previous earthquakes. From this estimate and a plausible upper bound for the local rock strength we infer a lower bound for D_c of about 0.008 m.