The Japanese New Year’s tradition of giving children otoshidama money in a special envelope may be special, but it has little meaning for the 15 percent of children, more than 3 million youngsters, living below the poverty line in Japan.

Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/01/04/editorials/not-all-kids-can-fete-the-new-year/#.UsmlChPzzMI