Materials compiled for a conference on the assessment of Japanese second language proficiency include a partially annotated bibliography of references concerning proficiency testing as it may relate to the Japanese language and an overview essay entitled "Towards the Development of Proficiency and Other Tests in Japanese as a Foreign Language in Australia." The essay contains a review of literature concerning the nature of language proficiency and its assessment, a historical review of approaches to assessing proficiency, a discussion of the needs that Japanese tests and scales must meet in Australia, the types of tests required to meet those needs, and notes on available tests. A concluding section looks at directions for future proficiency testing of Japanese as a second language. A wide range of needs related to proficiency testing, and their implications for test design, are outlined, including the needs for: a battery of tests for a variety of purposes; proficiency testing alternatives; industry- and commerce-related language tests; language program development; educational quality control; diversification of and increase in language learning; testing for achievement, placement, and diagnosis; self-assessment methods; classification of materials and activities; development of program rationales; testing of aptitude, cross-cultural attitudes, and cultural understanding; research data; and examiner training. (MSE)