In Japan, delicious mochi are a New Year tradition – as are warnings about how deadly they are

The authorities have issued their annual promotional blitz on the dangers associated with the rice cakes, which can be a serious choking hazard

In 2015, nine people died, 128 were hospitalised and 18 people were reported to be in a ‘serious’ condition after eating mochi

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Japan’s National Police Agency and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency have teamed up for a promotional blitz on the dangers associated with mochi. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 1:00pm, 1 Jan 2020Updated: 9:04pm, 1 Jan 2020

This New Year, Japanese authorities have warned revellers not to bite off more than they can chew when consuming traditional mochi rice cakes – and the warning has become as much of an annual tradition as the delicacy.

The National Police Agency and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency have teamed up for a promotional blitz on the dangers associated with the snack. An essential part of the menu over the holidays, mochi are made of pounded rice. They can be grilled, cooked in a broth with vegetables, or filled with sweet beans.

However when they are served, there is a danger that anyone who bites off too large a piece and fails to chew it sufficiently will find it lodged in their throat.

The appeal for people to be careful when they eat mochi is an annual one – but is not always closely heeded.

Every year, the Japanese media keeps a close watch on the death toll from mochi, with two deaths reported last year. The authorities will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the first few days of 2015, when no fewer than 18 people were admitted to hospitals in Tokyo alone and three died.

Across the country that year, nine people died, 128 were hospitalised and 18 people were reported to be in a “serious” condition after eating mochi.

In Japan, delicious mochi are a New Year tradition – as are warnings about how deadly they are

The authorities have issued their annual promotional blitz on the dangers associated with the rice cakes, which can be a serious choking hazard In 2015, nine people died, 128 were hospitalised and 18 people were reported to be in a ‘serious’ condition after eating mochi

The authorities have issued their annual promotional blitz on the dangers associated with the rice cakes, which can be a serious choking hazard

In 2015, nine people died, 128 were hospitalised and 18 people were reported to be in a ‘serious’ condition after eating mochi