Imagine starting the new year with a beloved family tradition that suddenly turns into a life-threatening emergency – that's the heartbreaking scenario facing some in Japan as a chewy rice cake claims yet another victim. But here's where it gets controversial... Could this cherished holiday staple be too risky to keep serving, especially for the elderly? Let's dive into the details and explore why this issue sparks such heated debates.
By
Stephen Smith
Managing Editor
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Stephen Smith is a managing editor for CBSNews.com based in New York. A Washington, D.C. native, Steve was previously an editorial producer for the Washington Post, and has also worked in Los Angeles, Boston and Tokyo.
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January 5, 2026 / 6:45 AM EST / CBS News
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In a startling incident in Tokyo, one woman lost her life, and six others ended up in the hospital after suffocating on mochi, a sticky rice-based dessert that's unfortunately led to numerous fatalities and injuries across Japan in recent times. This sweet treat is a key part of ringing in the new year, but its dangers are becoming all too familiar.
According to Japan Today, citing the Tokyo Fire Department, seven senior citizens — both men and women — were admitted to hospitals within the first three days of 2026 due to choking on mochi. Tragically, an 80-something-year-old woman passed away after struggling with daifuku, which is mochi filled with sugary ingredients, at her residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward just after midnight on New Year's Day. The fire department provided these heartbreaking details.
Japanese officials issue annual cautions about the perils of mochi, describing it as a dense pastry crafted from glutinous rice flour, often enjoyed to usher in the new year. For those new to this tradition, mochi is basically a thick, elastic cake that's steamed to create a chewy texture — think of it as a rice-based dough that's incredibly sticky and hard to swallow if not properly managed. Just last year in January, two individuals died and seven more were hospitalized from similar incidents involving this delicacy.
Older adults face the greatest dangers from this dough-like confection, and Japan boasts one of the planet's most aged demographics. Over the last half-decade, a staggering 338 cases of choking on mochi or comparable foods have resulted in emergency hospital visits, with over 90% involving people 65 and up, as per the latest figures from the Tokyo Fire Department released last month. Interestingly, more than half of these — a total of 177 — happen during January and December, the peak seasons when mochi appears on family tables.
To help prevent these accidents, experts suggest practical steps: Take your time chewing, slice the cake into tiny portions, and sip on tea or broth beforehand to keep your throat lubricated. These tips are straightforward for beginners to follow and can make a big difference.
Mochi holds a central place in Japan's New Year's celebrations and is commonly featured in ozoni, a hearty soup that's savory and warming — perfect for family gatherings. Emily Anderson, who curates at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, shared on "CBS Sunday Morning" that New Year's Day ranks as Japan's most significant holiday, with this rice cake playing a starring role in festive rituals.
"Sharing mochi is a vital custom during what might be the most family-focused day of the year," she explained, painting a picture of joy and togetherness.
Yet, the very qualities that make mochi appealing — its glutinous consistency — can cause it to lodge in the throat, blocking airways and potentially leading to fatal outcomes. And this is the part most people miss: While it's easy to dismiss these as rare accidents, the statistics tell a story of a recurring problem that challenges the balance between tradition and safety.
Looking back, 2022 saw four women perish from choking on these rice cakes, with 12 more needing hospital care. In 2015, authorities estimated nine fatalities tied to this yearly culinary habit. Even positive stories emerge, like the 2001 case where a quick-thinking daughter reportedly used a vacuum cleaner to extract mochi from her father's windpipe, saving his life and showing how improvisation can sometimes win the day.
But is it fair to place the blame solely on the food, or should we question why such a beloved tradition isn't being adapted for safety? Some might argue it's cultural insensitivity to alter age-old practices, while others see it as a necessary evolution. What do you think — should stricter regulations or alternative recipes be introduced to keep New Year's safe? And could mochi's popularity overshadow the risks, leading to more tragedies? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below; do you agree with the warnings, or is this just an overblown issue? Share your thoughts and let's discuss!
In:
- Food & Drink (https://www.cbsnews.com/tag/food-drink/)
- Japan (https://www.cbsnews.com/tag/japan/)
