Japan’s habitual New Year killer has struck again, after nine people were reported to have died in recent days from choking on rice cakes.

Mochi – glutinous cakes of pounded rice – are traditionally eaten in vast quantities over the holidays, usually in soup, or toasted and served with sweet soy sauce and wrapped in dried seaweed.

Several people die eating the starchy delicacy every January, but this year the number is particularly high.

Local media reported that nine people had died over the holidays, while 13 others were in a serious condition in hospital.