Hi Liltrina
My name is Zagato. I just started learning Japanese too. I'm taking lessons online from a Japanese teacher.
Yes, Japanese consonants are similar to those in English. The r, in Japanese, is different from the English r.
To make the Japanese r, lightly touch the tip of your tongue to the bony ridge behind the upper teeth, almost in the English d position. Its more like the Spanish r.
Well I hope this can help you.
If you have any more questions you can message me if you want to.
