"Eating mochi is a really important part of the most important family-oriented day," she said. But the glutinous cakes can easily get stuck in people's throats, restricting breathing. Choking on ...

Tokyo Fire officials advised people to cut mochi into small and easy-to-eat pieces, chew it slowly before swallowing and moisten their throats with tea or soup before consuming to aid digestion ...

The National Police Agency and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency are urging elderly people to be careful when eating mochi rice cakes during the New Year holidays. The appeal is made every year ...

Nine people have choked to death eating mochi rice cakes over the New Year period in Japan, despite warnings to chew slowly on this favorite treat. At least 128 people were taken to hospital ...

In 2023, 64 people were admitted to hospitals across the country after choking on mochi, with 58 of them aged 65 or older. That figure was down from 73 cases in the previous year, of whom 66 were ...

It also advises people to pay careful attention to infants and older people when they eat mochi. Learning how to provide first aid to someone who is choking on mochi is also recommended.

"Eating mochi is a really important part of the most important family-oriented day," she said. But the glutinous cakes can easily get stuck in people's throats, restricting breathing. Choking on mochi ...