Emperor Naruhito held a luncheon at the Imperial Palace on December 26, inviting Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and other cabinet ministers. 

At the outset, the Emperor said, “I truly appreciate the hard work you all do day and night in the service of the nation,” and “I know there are many difficult things you have to deal with, so please take good care of yourselves.” 

This luncheon has mainly been held at the end of the year to thank the Prime Minister and ministers in the cabinet. 

However, as it was cancelled in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic, this was only the second time it has been held since January 2020. 

Crown Prince Fumihito also attended. 

Emperor Naruhito spoke to Prime Minister Ishiba, and asked him, “I know you are busy, but can you relax a little?” and they had a friendly conversation.