Kracie Puchitto Kudamono Grape Candy ぷちっとくだもの（ぶどう味）- Japanese Candy DIY - Youtube Review Video (Kracie, the makers of Popin' Cookin')

The word "konpeitō" comes from the Portuguese word confeito (comfit), which is a type of sugar candy.[2] This technique for producing candy was introduced to Japan in the early 16th century by Portuguese traders. The infrastructure and refining technology of sugar had not yet been established in Japan in those days. As konpeito uses a lot of sugar, it was very rare and expensive as a result. In 1569, Luís Fróis, a Portuguese missionary, presented a glass flask of konpeitō to Oda Nobunaga in order to obtain the permit for mission work of Christianity.

The Star Bits in Super Mario Galaxy and the Gratitude Crystals in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword are based on these candies. These candies can also be seen in the movie Spirited Away and the anime Hamtaro, Bleach, Stellvia and Kobato.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konpeit%C5%8D