Verified answer

They are still used today and are absolutely necessary for communication in Japanese.

For example:

理由 (read as りゆう ri-yu-u) "reason; motive; pretext"

竜　(read as りゅう ryu-u) "dragon"

器用 (read as きよう ki-yo-o) "skillful, handy"

今日　(read as きょう kyo-o) "today"

These words are pronounced differently and it's important to be aware of it. Fortunately, it's really easy to learn. Take the [consonant + i] kana and simply add a tiny ゃ　ゅ　or ょ--- instant 拗音

き + ゃ = きゃ(kya)

ぎ　ゃ　ぎゃ (gya)

し　ゃ　しゃ (shaa)

じ　ゃ　じゃ (ja)

ひ　ゃ　ひゃ(hya)

ぴ　ゃ　ぴゃ (pya)

び　ゃ　びゃ (bya)

り　ゃ　りゃ (rya)

For pronunciation, try this site?

http://www.saiga-jp.com/pronunciation_voice.html