Hi, Calvert,
This a typical lingustic problem amoung Japanese people. There is no (hardly any) sounds distinction between "R" ans "L" in Japanese language.
You may hear a Japanese person says. "I would like to eat lice" Yeah, maybe it is a good sources of protein and calcium! He/she meant the "rice".
I sometime have problem to her "l" and "r" sound after 30 years in the US.
I also make light turns instead of reft turns!
Best wishes, Holidays and Peace! "Mellie Kulismasu" ???
KEN TODA, High Point, NC, Sunny seasonal 50's