Two dead in Tokyo after choking on 'mochi' rice cake on New Year's Day

Every year the emergency services officials issue advisories ahead of the New Year to warn people of the choking hazard posed by the sticky rice cakes, also known as "mochi".

TOKYO: Fifteen people aged between 55 and 90 were taken to hospital in Tokyo on Monday (Jan 1) after choking on sticky rice cake, a traditional New Year snack in Japan, reported local media.

Thirteen of them are in their 70s or older, according to Kyodo news agency.