A demonstration in the art of making small traditional Japanese sweets on the themes of flowers and birds was given to about 200 people in Rome on Tuesday evening.
     Staff from the traditional ''wagashi'' desserts maker Saiundo based in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, demonstrated how to create the sweets and decorate them at the event organized by the Japan Foundation.
     Italian food critic Domenico Musci struck an impressive note on the event, saying, ''Though these Japanese desserts taste less sweet than Italian ones and leave a bit to be desired, their look is new to us and make us feel the sense of tradition.''
     Saiundo plans to mount similar events in other cities in Europe such as Berlin and Athens.
==Kyodo