TOKYO, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Two people died and 13 others were treated in hospitals after choking on sticky rice cakes, or "mochi," on New Year's Day, local media reported on Tuesday.

The 15 people who choked on "mochi," a traditional food for the Japanese New Year, were aged from 55 to 90, according to local fire department.

The fire department warned people, especially seniors and children, to cut "mochi" into smaller pieces and be careful when eating the glutinous cake.

Choking cases caused by the sticky traditional cake happens every year during the New Year holidays across Japan.