On Sunday, Kyodo News launched new websites to help readers access news about Japan and the rest of the world in a more up-to-date and simple manner.

The new English sites, Kyodo News for subscribers and Kyodo News Plus for non-subscribers, and Chinese subscriber and non-subscriber sites, offer news stories, feature pieces, photographs and videos on a range of subjects.

The English subscriber site allows users to access the full range of Kyodo News' output, including all breaking news, politics, stocks, sports and news focus and feature stories.

Meanwhile, Kyodo News Plus offers a selection of news and entertainment pieces, including blog entries by foreign residents of Japan and engaging content about life in Japan from the site's partners.

Additionally, social media pages have been launched through Twitter and Facebook , using readers to stay up-to-date with current affairs.