Annual Mochi Tradition in Japan Claims Two Lives, Highlights Choking Risks

Two elderly men in Tokyo died after choking on mochi rice cakes during New Year celebrations, despite repeated safety warnings from authorities.

Two elderly men, aged 70s and 80s, died after choking on mochi in separate incidents in Tokyo during the first three days of January 2025.
Mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake, is commonly consumed during New Year celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
Authorities, including the Tokyo Fire Department, annually warn about the choking risks, particularly for the elderly, and recommend cutting mochi into smaller pieces and chewing thoroughly.
From 2019 to 2023, 368 people were hospitalized in Japan due to mochi-related choking incidents, with more than 90% of cases involving individuals over 65 years old.
January consistently sees the highest number of mochi-related choking incidents, with 142 hospitalizations reported in January 2024 alone.