Lighting "japanese" coals?

[piperdown]

Just got a box of these.  Seems to work well once lit.  But
what's the best way to light them?  Been using 3 kings, and these
are quite a bit different.

[King Mo]

very easy. using a lighter, light one end for a few seconds. you'll know the end is lit because you'll blow on it and it'll go orangy.
once thats done, put it in the shisha tray (ideally standing on the unlit edge)
wait a few minutes, and the whole piece will be fully lit by itself.
so basically light the edge, leave it standing and wait for the heat to spread fully.
 
if you want a quicker way, put it on the gas cooker, and the flames will have it fully lit pretty quick indeed.
I used to use them, but found them too much hassle, as well as a weird subtle taste which affects the tobacco. I use the cheap discs now.