Two people died in Japan after choking on mochi to celebrate the new year. Despite officials warning the population about the choking hazard posed by the popular rice cake that is traditionally served at New Year celebrations,

Two elderly men died after choking on mochi on the first three days of the New Year in Japan. This sticky, sweet traditional delicacy turns fatal almost every year. But why?

Work to make round rice cakes for New Year is in full swing at Yamada Mochi Honten rice cake shop in Nagoya's Mizuho Ward on Dec. 27, 2024. In the work area, where steam was rising from rice steamers,