Anamizu Town Council Chairman Dies Choking on Mochi, Highlighting New Year's Hazard

Koizumi Kazuaki, 75, Chairman of the Anamizu Town Council in Ishikawa Prefecture, tragically passed away on the afternoon of December 28th. He died from acute cardiopulmonary failure at Anamizu Public General Hospital after choking on mochi (rice cake). His death was confirmed at 4:08 PM on the same day.

This sad news, occurring just as the year-end and New Year period begins—a time when opportunities to consume mochi increase—once again underscores the serious danger of mochi-related choking accidents. Each year, numerous choking incidents involving mochi are reported, predominantly among the elderly, prompting continuous warnings from medical institutions and fire departments across Japan. Following this recent fatality, social media platforms saw a surge of comments, with users urging caution: "We must be careful with mochi" and "The elderly, in particular, need to be extra vigilant." Many also shared information on immediate first aid procedures.

Chairman Koizumi's passing creates a vacancy in the Anamizu Town Council. The Town Election Administration Commission has announced its decision to hold a by-election to fill this single vacant seat concurrently with the mayoral election. The mayoral election is scheduled to be officially announced on January 20th next year, with voting to take place on January 25th.

Experts consistently advise several precautions for eating mochi: cut it into small, manageable pieces; chew thoroughly and eat slowly; ensure adequate hydration; and have someone supervise, especially when vulnerable individuals are eating. These measures are particularly crucial for the elderly, whose chewing and swallowing functions may have declined, and for young children, whose oral motor skills are still developing. To prevent further tragedies, a renewed emphasis is being placed on understanding and strictly adhering to safe mochi consumption practices.

The Context

Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from mochigome (short-grain glutinous rice). It is incredibly sticky and chewy, a characteristic that makes it a beloved part of Japanese cuisine but also a significant choking hazard. It is especially popular during Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year), where it is consumed in various dishes like Zoni (soup with mochi) and Kinako Mochi (mochi coated in soybean flour). The cultural significance of mochi during this period means that its consumption spikes, leading to an annual increase in choking incidents, particularly among the elderly and young children who may have difficulty chewing and swallowing effectively. Japanese authorities and medical professionals issue yearly warnings about the dangers and provide guidance on safe consumption methods. The death of a public figure like a town council chairman from such an incident further amplifies these warnings and brings public attention to a recurring national safety concern. A by-election, as mentioned, is held to fill a vacant political position outside of a regularly scheduled election, ensuring continuous representation in local governance.