Fatal New Year’s trend continues in Japan as 2 people choke to death on mochi rice cakes

Fatal New Year’s trend continues in Japan as 2 people choke to death on mochi rice cakes


Two elderly men in Japan choked to death on mochi rice cakes as part of a New Year’s tradition that authorities have issued warnings about annually.

Eating mochi on and around the New Year is supposed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and longevity, according to Japanese tradition.

In Japanese tradition, eating mochi on or around the New Year will bring good luck. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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The National Police Agency and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency warn the elderly of their advanced risk if they participate in the tradition every year and encourage them to cut or slice the sticky cakes into pieces rather than trying to eat it all at once, which can result in choking.

Mochi is

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