I really like this idea. I am guessing the charcoal is bintochan, is this correct? If you were to wind cotton string around them and dip in wax, perhaps you could light them more easily. I will try this method and wish bintochan was less expensive in the USA. I love Japanese architecture …so many traditional homes are simply beautiful. There are many Akiya that are wonderful when restored. Thank you for this tutorial from a friend in Austin, Texas.