I am not actually studying Japanese at current, but I would like some help with the phonology of the language. How is the 'r' sound properly pronounced? I have watched several anime videos with names that have an 'r' sound such as (please don't laugh, I've been watching Ouran Host Club) Hikaru and Kaoru and I've noticed the peculiarity of the sound. What is the position of the mouth when the sound is pronounced? It sounds nothing like a German, Spanish, or French 'r' or an Arabic raa (ر) to me.
Also, how did you (if Japanese is not your native language) learn to pronounce the sound and what other letter does it sound closest to to you?