Japan Special allowance: 5,000 yen a month for each of the first two children and 10,000 yen a month for each subsequent child. Allowances are paid every 4 months (in February, June, and October) based on eligibility in January, May, and September, respectively. Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted on an ad hoc basis. Administrative Organization Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (http://www.mhlw.go.jp) supervises the program through its Equal Employment, Children, and Families Bureau. Insurance division of prefecture Welfare Department and Social Insurance Office collects contributions. City or town delivers allowances.