The controversial cash handouts of 12,000 yen has now started to be distributed in Japan. It's all over the news. If you are an expat in Japan who has registered before Feb. 1, you're eligible.

I have included this in my hubpages because there might be some of you who are not aware of this.

Points to remember:

1. The amount you'll receive will depend on your age.

2. Illegal aliens are not eligible.

3. Depending on the place where you reside, the manner of distribution is different. In a small town in Aomori, they can receive it in the city hall. The money is nicely placed in a traditional oiwai envelopes. In big cities like Tokyo, the money will be transfered to your bank account. You need to fill up a form (I only saw a Japanese version I hope they'll make them in other languages for foreigners.), a copy of an ID like the Alien Registration Card or Passport.

4. If the money is not claimed, it will go back to the government's coffers.

So, don't waste time. When you receive an information from your local government, act on it immediately. Good luck and enjoy your fortune.

I'm gonna be 12,000 yen richer! LOL

I don't know if the form is the same all over Japan but for those who can't read Kanji (chinese characters) I'll try to explain/translate the necessary parts.

The name of the form is: 定額給付金　申込書　（請求書）ていがくきゅうふきん　もうしこみしょ　（せいきゅうしょ）litterally translated: FIXED SUM RELIEF APPLICATION FROM (BILL)  or simply CASH HANDOUT REQUEST FORM.

on the upper left hand is where you write your name in full: ALPHABET and the reading in the small box above with （カタカナ）

below your name is your address which has already been filled out and all you have to do is to fill in your phone number.

to the right of this box is the place where the representative's name, his/her relation to you, below is the representative's address and phone number and birth date: year, month, day

the circle with a 印 in it is the place where you place your official INKAN or stamp. If you don't have one, I think it's alright to sign with a black pen, however, this should match the signature in your other documents that you'll have to attaced at the back of this form such as your passport/alien registration card/japanese driver's license and bank book.

The middle box contains the amount you'd recieve.

the box below that is where you fill in the bank or postal bank number, branch, and your name in katakana.

SUGGESTION: COPY THIS FORM AND PRACTICE FILLING IT IN, SHOW IT TO SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTAND JAPANESE (the post office people are very helpful) BEFORE FILLING IN THE FINAL FORM.

at the back, you have to make a photo copy of your ID or driver's license, etc. and below that is the copy of the page of your bank book where you want to receive the money, the page where your name, address and signature are written.

Place this in the envelope. Nothing else. You don't need a stamp to send this back to the city hall.

Good luck and enjoy your little wealth.