9 Killed, 18 Hospitalized After Eating New Year Cake In Japan

Nine people have reportedly lost their lives in Japan after choking on a traditional rice cake known as 'mochi'.

Another 18 people have also reportedly been hospitalized after consuming the delicacy, which is usually eaten as part of New Year celebrations.

Officials in the country have had to provide guidelines for eating the dish which is said to kill several people each year.

Citizens, especially the very young and very old, have been advised to cut the cakes into bite sized pieces before eating.

According to the Mochi Trade Association, Japanese people each consume an average of 1kg of mochi every year.