The Imperial Household Agency said Monday that Emperor Akihito's annual year-end luncheon with the prime minister, slated for the afternoon, has been canceled because the Emperor is still suffering from symptoms of a cold.

The Emperor has been resting at his residence in the Imperial Palace since Friday due to the cold symptoms. He is recovering, but his doctor advised him to continue the course of rest due to the persistence of a mild fever, an agency official said.

The Emperor was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other senior officials at the year-end luncheon at the palace. Crown Prince Naruhito was also scheduled to attend.