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Japanese children may soon have [smiling / smiles] on their faces and money in their pockets. As part of a covid-19-related [stimulate / stimulus] package, Japan's government is planning to give ¥100,000 ($880) to all children [under / afore] the age of 19. Around 20 million children, from newborns to 18-year-olds, will [receipt / receive] the one-time payment. The [initiative / initiation] is part of an election [pledge / ledge] from Japan's newly-elected Prime Minister. During campaigning, he [vowed / wowed] to help "people in need," such [has / as] part-time workers and families with small children. Officials say the money will be given regardless [at / of] the financial status of a child's family. All children in any one family will receive [the / a] cash. The plan is expected to cost around ¥2 trillion ($17.6 billion).

The stimulus package is not [within / without] its critics. Many people have reservations about [splurging / sponging] so much money when Japan is burdened [with / to] so much debt. The country's debt is currently [most / more] than twice the size [of / off] its economy. Government sources argue the cash is available for the pandemic stimulus because of a surplus [off / of] funds from fiscal 2020. Skeptics are questioning the plan's [logic / logical] . They said most recipients would not be going out to purchase high-cost items, [dire / dine] in upmarket restaurants or take domestic holidays. It is predicted that much of the money will end [up / down] in savings accounts. However, mother of three Yuki Ono [welcomed / pleased] the plan. She said her children would benefit because they will buy new computers.