A study of reading textbooks for English as a second language published in Japan evaluated 150 traditional reading textbooks and 32 new reading textbooks published for use in 1985. Traditional reading textbooks are those with main texts and notes and sometimes a few comprehension questions. New reading textbooks have main texts, comprehension questions, and other exercises. The new trends identified include: larger books with fewer pages, more visual aids, simpler English usage, more non-literary texts, more texts intended specifically for non-native speakers, more recently written main texts, more supplementary exercises, increased emphasis on language skills, more Japanese authors or co-authors, increased use of main texts written specifically for non-native speakers, more accompanying audiotapes, and more teacher's manuals. (MSE)