Authorities urge elderly people to be careful when eating mochi

Good health and Happy New Year to everybody!

I don't eat mochi because of my dentures.

I do not eat Omochi because there is no plausible reason, (nutritional or otherwise) to eat Omochi...

Authorities told us we can’t drink in Shibuya or have fun so why not tell the elderly to refrain from eating mochi?

Also, 2025 will be my 20th year in Japan and I do not appreciate mochi at all and nearly choked to death eating it drunk on new years 18 years ago!

Authorities told us we can’t drink in Shibuya or have fun so why not tell the elderly to refrain from eating mochi?

A lot of drinking goes on in Shibuya.

How about simply not eating a known choke hazard

A lot of folks are hospitalized from this, but very few die. Still, a warning is okay. Cutting the mochi into small pieces generally solves the problem. If someone makes mochi in the traditional way, it has a nice flavor.

"...and nearly choked to death eating it drunk on new years 18 years ago!"

Mister GaijinLand: Am sorry that you had such a terrible experience. For the record, I do not remember ever eating Omochi (even while drunk). Have a Happy New Year, and Akemashite Omedetō...!

I don't know if I'm in the elderly category yet but I definitely take care and have had a few scares when eating them. Enjoy your mochi! Happy New Year one and all!

Elderly people - those over 65 - and young children should have a carer cut the mochi up into small, bean-sized pieces. Only eat under supervision of a carer.

There are always those who don't heed the advice as we see with old folk clearing snow from their roof. Sadly, several people will likely die overnight after choking on mochi if recent past years are any guide.

Well, I think the elderly should avoid it. My dear old gran used to say ‘safety first’ and I agree with her regarding this issue.

Anyway, I think it takes ghastly. Will I be eating it? No way Pedro!

Fite2?

Elderly people - those over 65 - and young children should have a carer cut the mochi up into small, bean-sized pieces. Only eat under supervision of a carer.

I and my 'none wife' avoid rice cakes in all forms. no nutrient (I stand to be corrected), But are you aware that 65yrs is now middle aged. despite my recent lung disease stuff. what is yr best 60yr old 400m time. But u got age-caring , great, just messed up yr digit K/B. Pls check on yr neighbors. It's cold outside. HNY

Mr Kipling

Yes, I agree old top but they aren’t bothered about safety first here unless money is involved.

I've never seen the point of mochi. It tastes of nothing, has no nutritional value, ruins a decent soup and kills grannies every year.

I've never seen the point of mochi. It tastes of nothing, has no nutritional value, ruins a decent soup

You've never had proper mochi. Clearly.

I and my 'none wife' avoid rice cakes in all forms. no nutrient

Perhaps you could enlighten us.

As for nutrients:

https://www.ja-fc.or.jp/kids/great/nutrition.html

For the record, I do not remember ever eating Omochi (even while drunk)

That's when mochi (don't need the honorific) tastes best.

...eat it with great care, and in the presence of someone else" ...and always have some fugu bought from konbini handy in case you need to force down the mochi!

Just kidding. Enjoy your holiday foods but as article says, be careful!

Derek GrebeToday  09:02 pm JST

I've never seen the point of mochi. It tastes of nothing, has no nutritional value,

Mochi is calorie-dense. A single small piece (~44 grams) contains about 96-100 calories. It's high in carbohydrates due to the rice, providing energy. One serving has around 22 grams of carbs. Mochi contains a small amount of protein, about 1-2 grams per piece. Plain mochi is virtually fat-free.

The high carbohydrate content makes mochi a quick source of energy. It is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Mochi contains small amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and some B vitamins, depending on the specific type of glutinous rice used.

> The high carbohydrate content makes mochi a quick source of energy.

And spikes insulin, therefore it is a pro-oxidant and not an anti-oxidant and will lead to inflammation which leads to heart disease. Facts.

@Japan GlimpsedDec. 31, 2024  09:46 pm JST

I've never seen the point of mochi. It tastes of nothing, has no nutritional value, ruins a decent soup

You've never had proper mochi. Clearly.

The Japanese lady I've been married to for the last 25 years would beg to differ.