Woman chokes to death on mochi rice cake as fatal New Year's trend continues in Japan
CBS News••world
Key Points:
- A woman in her 80s died and six others were hospitalized in Tokyo after choking on mochi, a chewy rice cake traditionally eaten during New Year's celebrations in Japan.
- Seven elderly individuals were hospitalized in the first three days of 2026 due to mochi-related choking incidents, highlighting the ongoing risk the treat poses, especially to Japan's aging population.
- Over the past five years, 338 people, mostly aged 65 or older, have been hospitalized after choking on mochi or similar foods, with the majority of cases occurring in December and January when mochi consumption peaks.
- Japanese authorities annually warn about the choking hazards of mochi and recommend precautions such as chewing slowly, cutting it into small pieces, and drinking
