Two elderly men died from choking on mochi rice cakes as Japan continues to experience choking-related fatalities annually during New Year celebrations. The Tokyo Fire Department reported nine hospitalizations occurred within the first three days of January. Mochi, while a traditional aspect of New Year’s, poses significant choking hazards, particularly for the elderly, despite annual safety advisories.
Recent incidents highlight a continuing trend of choking deaths associated with eating mochi during the New Year celebrations in Japan. This week, two elderly men tragically lost their lives after choking on the traditional rice cakes. A report by Japan Today, citing the Tokyo Fire Department, revealed that nine individuals required hospitalization within the first three days of January due to choking incidents involving mochi.
The first victim, an elderly man in his 70s, choked on mochi at his home in Itabashi and was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital on New Year’s Day. Another victim, a man in his 80s from Nerima, also succumbed to choking on the delicacy, according to local news reports.
Mochi, a customary dish during Japan’s New Year’s festivities, is frequently enjoyed in a savory soup known as ozoni. Emily Anderson, a curator at the Japanese American National Museum, emphasizes the significance of this delicacy, stating that “Eating mochi is a really important part of the most important family-oriented day.”
Due to the rice cakes’ glutinous nature, they pose a choking hazard, especially for the elderly. Authorities provide annual advice on how to prevent choking incidents, recommending that mochi be cut into small pieces and consumed in the company of others. Despite these warnings, choking remains a persistent issue, particularly among older adults.
Recent statistics from the Tokyo Fire Department indicate that between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 368 individuals were hospitalized as a result of choking on mochi or similar foods, with over 90% of those affected being aged 65 or older. Historical data shows a consistent pattern of tragic incidents, including four elderly women who choked to death in 2022 and nine fatalities linked to mochi in 2015.
In a notable incident from 2001, a woman employed a vacuum cleaner to save her 70-year-old father from choking on mochi, illustrating the potential hazards associated with this traditional dish during the holiday season.
The ongoing trend of choking on mochi rice cakes during New Year festivities underscores the risks associated with this beloved Japanese delicacy. Despite recurring public advisories and the tragic outcomes in previous years, incidents continue to occur, highlighting the importance of awareness and preventative measures, especially for elderly individuals. Families and authorities must work together to ensure safety during this culturally significant celebration.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
