The Netflix film "10DANCE," starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida in dual leading roles, will finally be released worldwide on December 18, 2025 (Thursday). The film is based on the manga of the same name by Inouesatoh, which won the "Kono BL ga Yabai! 2019" award.
This article introduces the synopsis, highlights, and cast of "10DANCE," a film attracting attention from around the world. I am also an experienced competitive dancer. From that perspective, and while analyzing the original manga, let’s take a deep dive into this much-talked-about work!
Over 1.8 Million Views! The Netflix Film "10DANCE" Captivates the World
Have you already seen the trailer? The trailer, released on YouTube on November 12, 2025, has already surpassed 1.8 million views as of December 12, 2025.
In the short, two-minute trailer, it is clearly shown that the relationship between the two men played by Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida evolves from hostility to rivalry, and then steps into a realm beyond that. The highlight includes a shocking moment where the two draw close, as if they are about to kiss!
As someone who has thoroughly read the original manga, now published in eight volumes, I can say with confidence that there were moments in the trailer that made me think, “That scene has to be it.” One particular scene clearly stands out as a major turning point in the story, where the two can no longer suppress their emotions and finally act on their true feelings.
With such an outstanding cast, including Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida, how will they bring this pivotal moment to life on screen? I can’t wait for the release!
The Original Manga Won the "Kono BL ga Yabai! 2019" Award
The original manga, written by Inouesatoh, began serialization in 2011 and is currently ongoing in Kodansha’s "YanMaga Web." This popular work, which won the "Kono BL ga Yabai! 2019" award, depicts the passion, determination, struggles, jealousy, and love of two men through the theme of competitive dance.
Ballroom dance is a sport where there are roles of leader (traditionally the man) and follower (traditionally the woman), and the dance is only complete when the two form a pair. In extreme cases, if the leader has a strong will and skill, the dance can be performed to a certain extent even without perfect harmony.
However, this is exactly what makes ballroom dance, as a sport of expression, so profound and challenging. The audience does not simply want to see technically skilled dancing. What they want to see is the relationship between the two dancers behind the elegant steps.
In the opening stages of the story, the two characters clash, battling with their masculine pride and the desire to control the other, seeking to make their partner move "exactly as they wish." This struggle is a direct parallel to the competition for leadership and dominance in dance itself. However, as the narrative progresses, they begin to realize that reaching the highest level requires more than one-sided control. It demands feeling and trusting each other's emotions, and mutually surrendering to their partner.
The way their pursuit of excellence in dance directly correlates with the closing of the emotional distance between them, where the growth of the dancers is inextricably linked to the deepening of their love and affection, is precisely what elevates this film beyond a simple love story and makes it truly compelling.
Main Characters & Cast of "10DANCE": Two Tall, Handsome Stars Together on Screen!
Taking on the challenge of adapting this popular manga into a live-action film are Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida, both of whom have been consistently starring in hit works.
With Ryoma Takeuchi standing at 185 cm and Keita Machida at 183 cm, the fact that two tall, well-proportioned actors are teaming up in a competitive ballroom dance film where elegance and beauty are put to the test is already enough to raise expectations, wouldn’t you agree?
In particular, Keita Machida is characterized by his extremely high popularity across Asia, evidenced by his roles in the smash hit "Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!" (known as Cherimaho) and his successful fan meetings in Taiwan, among other places.
Shinya Suzuki / Ryoma Takeuchi
He is the Japanese Champion of passionate Latin Dance, a natural talent with Cuban roots, known as "the Latin Maverick." Ryoma Takeuchi, who plays the role of Suzuki, had no prior dance experience. However, he prepared for over a year for the filming, leveraging his exceptional athletic ability and competitive spirit, which were honed during his student days as a player for the Tokyo Verdy professional soccer team's youth squad. That dedication and passion deeply synchronize with the character of Suzuki.
Shinya Sugiki / Keita Machida
He is the Japanese Champion of Standard Dance and holds the world second place record, earning him the title "Emperor of Blackpool." The manga even refers to his signature style as the “Emperor Hold,” and mastering its beauty and elegance reportedly required extremely demanding training. Keita Machida, who portrays this character, once aspired to become a performer with EXILE before an injury forced him to give up that dream. In interviews, he has said that taking on this role felt like fate, describing it as something he felt deeply connected to.
Aki Tajima / Shiori Doi
Suzuki’s longtime dance partner. She is a great supporter and understands Suzuki well, helping him grow with her straightforward advice. Shiori Doi, who plays Aki Tajima, has a background in ballet, and her flexibility and dynamic dancing, which draw on that experience, are also highlights of her performance.
Fusako Yagami / Anna Ishii
Sugiki’s dance partner. She has an almost religious level of absolute trust in Sugiki, who helped her rise up from being an underachiever. Anna Ishii, who plays her, began dancing in the second grade of elementary school and is a highly skilled performer who was also a member of E-girls, the female group often called the “female version of EXILE.”
Synopsis of the Netflix Film “10DANCE”
Shinya Suzuki (Ryoma Takeuchi), the Japanese champion of Latin dance, and Shinya Sugiki (Keita Machida), the Japanese champion of Standard Dance who also holds the world’s second place record.
Because their surnames, “Suzuki”(鈴木) and “Sugiki,”(杉木) differ by only one character, Suzuki often finds himself compared to Sugiki and talked about, which frustrates him.
One day, Sugiki suddenly approaches him with a proposal. He suggests that they teach each other their respective specialties and aim for the world stage together in “10 Dance.” 10 Dance is a competition where dancers compete in all ten categories: five Latin and five Standard dances. Since the competition requires dancing more than twice as much as a regular match, Suzuki initially refuses, thinking it’s reckless. However, provoked by Sugiki’s attitude, he accepts the challenge in a fit of anger, and their joint training begins.
Although their names and builds are similar, their specialties in dance are polar opposites, and at first, they struggle to work together. However, as they pursue the same goal and communicate through the shared language of dance, they begin to sense each other’s feelings and realize that their emotions toward one another are something special, different from mere rivalry.
Unique Points of the Film
It is well known that author Shion Miura once said about the original manga “10DANCE” that “it wouldn’t work unless the actors could really dance.” This was the biggest hurdle to overcome in adapting the theme of competitive dance into live action.
For this live-action adaptation, the actors reportedly underwent training for six months to over a year. Competitive ballroom dance is not just about stepping in rhythm; a dancer’s skill shows from the very moment they take the floor. On screen, both the Sugiki and Suzuki pairs exude the presence of real competitors, and some of the film’s most impressive dance scenes were even shot in Blackpool, England, a city considered the mecca of competitive dance.
Ensuring the film’s quality is director Keishi Otomo, known for the blockbuster "Rurouni Kenshin" series. He captures the actors’ deep interpretations of their roles and their physical expressions on screen, creating a unique depth and excitement that only live-action performers can bring. The result offers a fresh perspective beyond the original manga.
Netflix Film “10DANCE” Streaming Information
This film will be available exclusively worldwide on Netflix starting Thursday, December 18, 2025. Be sure to check it out as soon as it’s released.
👉Watch the Netflix film “10DANCE”
Don’t Take Your Eyes Off Japanese Entertainment!
Both Ryoma Takeuchi, who plays the lead role, and Keita Machida have appeared in many other popular works besides this production. Thanks to "10DANCE," it can be enjoyable to check out the projects they have been involved in previously, as well as upcoming releases.
Above all, as symbolized by "10DANCE," Japanese entertainment is currently attracting significant attention from around the world. There is no doubt that many more Japanese dramas and films will continue to be introduced to global audiences through Netflix and various streaming services.
Please be sure to keep an eye on Japanese entertainment works from now on!
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