Japan: 2 dead, 11 hospitalized after choking on rice cakes

Eleven people were rushed to hospitals here after choking on mochi rice cakes on Sunday, two of the victims choking to death, authorities said. The Tokyo Fire Department said a total of 11 people, aged between 28 and 89, were rushed to hospitals after choking on mochi by 9 p.m., Nippon News Network reports (Jan. 2). Of the 11 victims, an 81-year-old man from Itabashi Ward and a 60-year-old man from Kita Ward choked to death from mochi they ate at home, authorities said. Every year the fire department urges citizens to cut mochi into smaller bite-size pieces and chew thoroughly before swallowing. Source: Tokyo Reporter Image: NHK Share this:TweetEmail