Tragic Mocha Choking Incidents Continue in Japan During New Year

A woman in Tokyo died and six others were hospitalized after choking on mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake eaten during New Year celebrations. The incident highlights the ongoing risk of mochi choking, especially among the elderly, with authorities advising caution when consuming the chewy treat. Historically, mochi has been linked to multiple fatalities and hospitalizations in Japan, prompting safety tips such as chewing slowly and cutting the cake into small pieces.