Six elderly people died after choking on traditional "mochi" rice cakes in Tokyo between Dec. 26 and Jan 3, prompting authorities to issue a warning for older people who eat the sticky New Year's treats.
The Tokyo Fire Department said the six, aged 75 to 88, suffocated after rice cakes lodged in their throats. Several died after eating "zoni" soup, a traditional New Year's dish of rice cakes boiled with vegetables and meat. The latest victim was an 84-year-old man who ate zoni in Itabashi Ward. He was pronounced dead shortly after 8:40 a.m. Wednesday.
Six others aged 55 to 71 were in critical condition after choking on rice cakes during the New Year's holiday.
A 78-year-old man escaped death when his family slapped his back to dislodge a rice cake from his throat following emergency instructions given by the fire department via telephone.
Fire department officials said seniors should eat mochi in the presence of others after cutting it into pieces.
Mochi is a seasonal delicacy in Japan. Elderly people often choke on it as it is difficult to chew and swallow.