Eleven of Prime Minister Taro Aso's 17 Cabinet ministers said Friday they plan to accept benefits under a controversial ¥2 trillion cash handout program.
The cash plan is part of the second supplementary budget and aims to boost domestic consumption in the quickly deteriorating economy.
The government's cash payout program calls for providing ¥12,000 to each person. The amount will be raised to ¥20,000 for those aged 18 or younger and 65 or older.