As Japan enters the New Year holiday period, foreign residents should be aware of two significant safety concerns that claim lives every year: mochi choking incidents and increased traffic accidents on major highways.

According to the Consumer Affairs Agency, as reported by NHK on December 30, mochi-related choking deaths continue to occur during the New Year period despite repeated warnings. The sticky rice cakes, traditionally eaten in ozoni soup and other New Year dishes, pose a particular risk to elderly people. The agency is urging caution, especially for older adults, recommending that mochi be cut into small pieces and chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

The dangers are not theoretical. On December 30, Livedoor News reported that Kazuaki Koizumi, a town council chairman in Anamizu, died after choking on mochi at his home, with the cause of death listed as acute cardiopulmonary failure. This tragic incident underscores the real risks associated with this traditional food.

For expats unfamiliar with mochi, understanding its texture is crucial. Unlike bread or other soft foods, mochi becomes extremely sticky when chewed and can easily block airways. The risk increases significantly for elderly individuals, young children, and anyone with swallowing difficulties. If you're invited to New Year celebrations or purchase mochi from supermarkets, exercise extreme caution when consuming it.

Simultaneously, Japan's highways are experiencing dangerous conditions during the year-end travel rush. On December 30, a multi-vehicle accident on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Gunma Prefecture resulted in two fatalities. According to police interviews reported by NHK, multiple drivers stated that "visibility was poor on the curve" just before the accident occurred. This highlights how quickly highway conditions can deteriorate, particularly during winter when weather and reduced daylight hours create additional hazards.

The same day, another serious accident occurred on a national highway in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture. NHK reported that six vehicles, including trucks and passenger cars, were involved in a collision that killed a 58-year-old truck driver and sent three others to the hospital. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of increased accident risk during the year-end period when highways experience higher traffic volumes.

For foreign residents planning to travel during the New Year holiday, these accidents serve as important reminders. Japanese expressways can be particularly challenging during peak travel periods, with sudden traffic slowdowns, reduced visibility in mountainous areas, and drivers fatigued from long journeys. If you're driving, maintain extra following distance, reduce speed in poor visibility conditions, and stay alert for sudden stops.

Emergency preparedness is equally important. Know how to contact emergency services: dial 119 for ambulance and fire emergencies, and 110 for police. If someone chokes on mochi, immediate action is critical. The Heimlich maneuver can save lives, but if you're unfamiliar with it, call 119 immediately and follow dispatcher instructions.

Many hospitals operate with reduced staff during the New Year holiday period (typically December 29 through January 3), so identifying emergency hospitals in your area beforehand is advisable. Most municipalities provide lists of holiday emergency medical facilities on their websites.

The convergence of traditional food hazards and increased traffic risks makes the New Year period particularly dangerous in Japan. Foreign residents should approach both mochi consumption and holiday travel with heightened awareness. Cut mochi into small pieces, chew carefully, supervise children and elderly family members, and avoid unnecessary highway travel during peak hours.

By understanding these risks and taking appropriate precautions, expats can safely enjoy Japan's New Year traditions while protecting themselves and their families from preventable tragedies.