The world of competitive dance is about to get more intense with the upcoming release of 10DANCE, a new Japanese film coming to Netflix. The project brings together two of Japan’s popular actors for a story about rivalry, partnership, and romance. The film is an adaptation of a celebrated manga and will be available for global audiences this December.
The Story Behind the Dance
10DANCE tells the story of two champion dancers who share the same first name but have very different personalities and specialties. Shinya Suzuki is Japan’s top Latin Dance champion, known for his intense and disciplined approach. Shinya Sugiki is the Japanese champion in Standard Ballroom and is ranked second in the world. They are often compared because of their similar names, which frustrates the competitive Suzuki.
Their worlds collide when Sugiki unexpectedly proposes they team up. He wants them to compete together in the prestigious “10-Dance” competition, a challenging event that requires couples to master five Latin and five Standard Ballroom dances. This means each Shinya must teach the other his specialized style.
Suzuki initially rejects the idea, but his own competitive nature eventually leads him to accept. As they begin their intense daily training, their clashing personalities create friction. However, spending so much time together in close proximity causes their relationship to slowly change, with Suzuki starting to realize he might be developing romantic feelings for Sugiki.
The film challenges us to explore the depths of love and its capacity. When two people dance passionately together, they become so in sync that it feels as if they transform into something greater, transcending boundaries with hidden emotions and passions.
Director Keishi Otomo shared this vision for the project.
Meet the Cast and Characters
The film features a strong cast led by two well-known Japanese actors.
Ryoma Takeuchi plays the role of Shinya Suzuki, the Latin dance champion. Takeuchi is recognized for his lead role in Kamen Rider Drive and more recently in the series Roppongi Class. This movie marks his first Netflix film debut.
Keita Machida takes on the part of Shinya Sugiki, the composed ballroom champion. Machida is familiar to Netflix audiences for his roles in popular series such as Alice in Borderland, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Glass Heart.
This project reunites Takeuchi and Machida on screen for the first time in nearly eight years.
The supporting cast includes their dance partners, who play crucial roles in the story. Shiori Doi portrays Aki Tajima, Suzuki’s dedicated Latin dance partner. Anna Ishii plays Fusako Yagami, who is Sugiki’s elegant ballroom partner. The cast also includes Shinya Hamada and Oshiro Maeda as editors from a dance industry magazine.
From Popular Manga to Live-Action Film
The film is based on the acclaimed manga 10DANCE by Inouesatoh, which has been serialized in Kodansha’s Young Magazine. The manga has been celebrated for its realistic portrayal of the competitive dance world and its emotional storytelling, winning the “This BL Is Amazing!” award in 2019.
The author initially expressed some worry about the adaptation. “Initially, I felt anxious about the adaptation, fearing it would be impossible without a significant budget and talented team,” Inouesatoh said. “However, knowing Netflix and Director Otomo are involved eased my worries. The casting of Mr. Takeuchi and Mr. Machida is perfect, capturing the essence of the characters.”
The live-action adaptation is directed by Keishi Otomo, who is known for his work on the live-action Rurouni Kenshin movies. The script was co-written by Otomo and Tomoko Yoshida.
Production and Dance Preparation
Bringing a dance-focused story to life required significant preparation from the lead actors. Both Takeuchi and Machida underwent months of intensive training in ballroom and Latin dance to perform their roles with authenticity. The newly released trailer shows the results of their hard work, featuring elegant and tense dance scenes that capture their characters’ fierce rivalry and growing connection.
The film’s production aims to capture the intensity and emotion of the 10-Dance competition, which is often described as a “gorgeous triathlon” that tests both the body and soul. The official runtime for the movie is 126 minutes.
Global Release Information
10DANCE will be released worldwide as a Netflix Original film. It is scheduled to start streaming on December 18, 2025. Unlike some movies that have a theatrical run first, this film will be available directly on the Netflix platform. Subscribers will need an active Netflix account to watch it.
The release will follow Netflix’s typical pattern, with the film becoming available at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the release date. This means the exact time it appears will vary by time zone around the world.
The film’s official trailer and key art were released in November 2024, generating excitement among manga readers and new fans alike. The trailer shows the two Shinyas moving from competition to a deeper connection, set against the backdrop of stunning dance sequences.
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Credits: What’s On Netflix, Anime News Network, Netflix Media Center
