Among the many traditional New-Year foods in Japan are "omochi".
These sticky-rice cakes are prepared from boiled rice which is then mashed into a chewing-gum-like goo.
This is usally done by using large stone mortars and wooden mallets for pestles.However, in this video a newer invention is used!

The actual making of the omochi from the goo is the fun part. Eating them is another matter!
At this time of year it is not unusual to hear of some person (usually an elderly person) who has died from choking when eating these.