We propose a one-directional three-component (1D-3C) approach to model the unidirectional (1D) propagation of a three component (3C) earthquake for seismic response analyses of horizontal multilayer soils, considering a 3D nonlinear constitutive behaviour for soils. An elasto-plastic cyclic constitutive behaviour of the Masing-Prandtl-Iwan type, using just the shear modulus decay curve for soil characterization, is implemented in a finite element scheme. Seismic response of soil profiles appears dependent on incident wave polarization, elastic and dynamic properties of medium and seismic impedance contrast between soil layers. Propagating a 3C signal induces a multiaxial stress interaction decreasing soil strength and increasing nonlinear effects. Soil profiles in the Tohoku area (Japan) are loaded by seismic signals recorded at outcrops or downhole, during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The nonlinear seismic response of each soil profile, represented in terms of acceleration, hysteresis loops and stress and strain profiles with depth, is compared in both cases of superposition of three one-component propagation effects (1D-1C) and 1D-3C.