Konpeito: The Stars of Japanese Confectionery

Once used as an expensive thank-you gift among the royals, konpeito is now one of the most popular and affordable sweets in Japan. This post is your chance to learn everything about this simple yet iconic sugar candy. We’ll cover its history, recipe, varieties, and influence in pop culture. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to Konpeito

Konpeito is a star-shaped traditional Japanese candy made from sugar and syrup or flavored water. This sugar candy dates back hundreds of years and has been firmly rooted in Japan’s sweet culture. It typically has a spherical shape with bumpy spikes on its surface. It also comes in a wide variety of colors. The main components of konpeito are sugar, coloring, and water. The sugar often takes the form of a sweet and coarse ingredient known as zarame.

Plain versions are simple candies made with sugar and coloring. However, konpeito can also have different flavors, including yuzu, peach, banana, vanilla, and pineapple.

Because of its small size and affordability, konpeito is considered a type of dagashi, which is a term referring to cheap and fun Japanese treats. You can find it anywhere in the country, where it is sold to kids and adults alike as a basic sweet or artisan product. The candy is so popular that it found its way into the combat rations of the Japanese military forces.

The History of Konpeito

Konpeito was initially brought to Japan by a group of Portuguese traders in the 16th century. In fact, the term “konpeito” was coined from the Portuguese word “confeito,” which means confection or candy in English. The Portuguese version of the sweet had a center made with poppy or sesame seed. The Japanese later adapted this version and used coarse sugar as the center. 

At the time of its introduction, there was no technology for sugar refinery in Japan, and most of the sugar in the country was imported from Portugal. Since konpeito required a lot of sugar to make, it was very expensive and rare. The candies became so coveted that members of the Imperial House would offer them to important personalities as thank-you gifts.

There is an existing story claiming that in 1569, a Portuguese priest called Luís Fróis offered a glass flask of konpeito to one of the leading feudal lords (daimyo) known as Oda Nobunaga, in exchange for permission to carry out his Christian missionary work in his territory.

By the 19th century, people in Japan could easily get access to refined sugar. This meant that making konpeito became easier and more inexpensive, causing the snack to become one of the cheapest sweet treats in the country. Today, it has been embraced worldwide as part of Japanese culture.

How Konpeito is Made

The traditional process of making konpeito candies is no small effort and can take several days to two weeks to complete. The core of coarse sugar grain was placed in a large gong-shaped tub (dora), heated, laddled with sugar syrup, and rotated slowly. The dora machine is set at an incline and rotated continuously while the syrup is being drizzled repeatedly. This meticulous technique is responsible for the distinct bulges that give konpeito its star-like shape. It typically takes about 7 to 13 days to complete, and the resulting hard candy can withstand high temperatures without melting. Konpeito can also last for as long as thirty years when stored properly.

You can make it at home by first mixing granular sugar and water in a bowl and setting it aside. Next, place a large pot on a stove and tilt it. Turn on the heat and add coarse sugar. Gradually pour the sugar syrup you made earlier. The coarse sugar will become larger. Keep pouring the syrup until the sugar develops a bumpy surface.

Varieties of Konpeito

There are two main ways to consider variety in konpeito: flavor and manufacturing process. The hard candy has a wide range of different flavors and colors. Traditional konpeito uses just plain sugar and has a simple, sweet taste. Modern versions, however, use flavors from fruits like yuzu, peach, banana, pineapple, plum, strawberry, and orange. They also use more modern sources of flavor, such as soda, matcha, and vanilla.

Konpeito also differs by how they’re made. Regular, cheap konpeito is a type of dagashi. However, there are luxury variations of the candy that can be considered wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). These artisan sugar candies are made using high-quality ingredients and traditional hand-based methods. The makers of luxury konpeitos are typically family-owned confection shops. You’ll find their products at weddings and birthday parties.

 

Cultural Significance of Konpeito

In Japan, konpeito is seen as a symbol of hospitality, happiness, and good fortune. People often offer it to guests and celebrants as a good luck charm. During traditional celebrations, such as childbirth or marriage ceremonies, they give decorative boxes filled with sweets to the celebrants at shrines and temples. Hence, shops in the country still offer beautifully crafted gift boxes containing an assortment of luxury konpeito.

You can also find the Japanese sugar candy in festivals across the country, especially the more colorful and decorative occasions such as Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Day or Girl’s Day) and Tanabata (Star Festival). The appearance of the star-shaped sugar candy tends to match the themes of this event. Because of how great the candy tastes alongside green tea, it’s one of the most popular sweets enjoyed during traditional tea ceremonies.

The Artistic Inspirations Behind Konpeito Designs

Candy makers express artistic creativity through beautiful sweets and packaging design. Many of them use colors and flavors to reflect seasonal themes, such as pink sakura in spring. They also use them to tell stories or reflect Japan’s love for all things cute. Kawaii character and merchandise companies like Sanrio have produced themed konpeito with designs based on their stories as part of their long line of accessories.

Artisan candy makers also put a lot of effort into making each batch of konpeito a small work of art. Pieces of candy that don’t meet their strict requirements are discarded and replaced with new-perfect versions. Some of their works are used as decorative displays in major celebrations and festivals, so they recognize the need for artistic perfection.

Konpeito in Pop Culture

Konpeito has had many appearances in popular media. However, its roles in Studio Ghibli films have helped popularize the candy among international audiences. One of such films is the critically acclaimed animated movie titled “Spirited Away.” In this film, a group of soot sprites are given konpeito as compensation for their hard work at the bath house. Created by Hayao Miyazaki, the film won several accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Hence, it helped konpeito gain worldwide fame overnight.

Nezuko Kamado, one of the characters in the anime Demon Slayer, has a deep love for the candy, as it’s her favorite treat. In an anime and manga series titled “Kobato,” the main character, Kobato Hanato, receives the candy after assisting people. Konpeito also features in accessories and stories of Japanese entertainment companies like Sanrio. 

Where to Buy Konpeito in Japan

You can find cheap konpeito in supermarkets, grocery shops, and convenience stores all over Japan. Confection shops and souvenir shops are the most likely to sell luxury and artisan konpeito.

Ryokujuan Shimizu is arguably the best place to buy quality konpeito in Japan. Founded in 1847, it’s the only store that specializes in konpeito. The store is located in Kyoto and is famous for its wide selections and unique offerings. We recommend that you try their banana, vanilla, and peach-flavored konpeito.

Ameya Yokocho is the most famous candy store alley in Tokyo. This market street features a wide variety of confection shops that sell konpeito. Most people in Japan know it by its short name, “Ameyoko.” For a brief period after World War II, it served as a black market for American products.

Konpeito as Gifts and Souvenirs

Konpeito makes an ideal souvenir or gift due to its long shelf life and aesthetic appeal. The candy has also been historically known as a symbol of good luck. This symbolism began in the 16th century, when royals would exchange the candy as gifts. It carried on into modern times, despite the fact that konpeito is now easier and less expensive to make.

You may also gift konpeito as a traditional Japanese confectionery art, which can be used for decorating events and households, particularly during festivals and celebrations. 

Conclusion:

Today, konpeito captivates people's hearts and taste buds around the world. Its enduring charm over the centuries stems not only from its role as a sweet treat but also as a piece of Japanese heritage. If you ever receive these sweet candies as gifts from someone from Japan, you should have a clear understanding of what they mean. When it comes to Japanese-style gifts, there’s no better place to find them than Bokksu Boutique. We offer a wide range of gift boxes from artisan businesses in Japan, including an iconic Japanese Konpeito Candy Box that’s perfect for any loved one with a sweet tooth.