TOKYO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two people died in Japan and several others are in critical condition after choking on mochi, a popular sticky snack on New Year's Day, Japan Today reported.

A man in his 50s from Ota Ward and a man in his 80s who lived in Edogawa Ward died after choking on mochi rice cakes, according to the Tokyo Fire Department. Another 13 people are hospitalized.

The mochi cakes, with an ice-cream filling, are known to be dangerous if not eaten properly. Every year prior to the New Year, the government issues warnings to the public, advising them to cut their mochi into small pieces and chew each bite slowly before swallowing.

Children and the elderly are mostly likely to choke on mochi, as it's often harder for them to chew the rice cake thoroughly. The majority of those sent to the hospital after choking on mochi are people aged 65 or older.