From Intercross:

When Akiko was a child, on the first day of the new year, a rice cake suddenly came to life and told Akiko that it will grant a wish that she has. It's always been like that year after year, until one year a cat stole the rice cake that she was supposed to eat. Her family didn't have anymore left, and stores were sold out. She tries very hard to find a rice cake, but why is this? What is her wish that she wants granted so badly?