Nobody has reported any issues. The clampdown is for people holding Visa Exempt now for multiple entries and extensions. This is not about visa holders
You should be absolutely fine. 1) New calendar year 2) You returned to country of domicile. If you are risk averse just get a Tourist Visa but I doubt you need it. Enjoy your Run
My last job was as a Director at a large Japanese company reporting to the C-Suite. Most of my previous experience was in British or USA companies. The culture was much different shall we say. :-)