Mochi is a popular food in Japan, especially during the New Year's holiday. Tokyo Fire Department officials advise cutting mochi into small pieces and chewing thoroughly before swallowing.

Despite an annual warning from authorities, a deadly New Year's trend continued in Japan this week as two people died after choking on mochi — a doughy cake made from steamed sweet rice that is ...

An elderly woman died and five other people were in serious condition in the Tokyo area after choking on “mochi” sticky rice cakes between Jan. 1 and 3, the Tokyo Fire Department said.