Overview
- The lunch was held on December 24 in the palace’s Rensui small dining room.
- Crown Prince Fumihito attended alongside the prime minister and cabinet ministers.
- The Emperor thanked officials for their daily efforts and urged them to take care of their health.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed gratitude for the invitation and pledged to work for the nation and its people.
- The Asahi Shimbun reported 19 invited government attendees, and coverage described a cordial exchange including conversation about the view and weather.