7 hours ago
Netflix's "10DANCE" Becomes a Breakout Hit: Japanese Live-Action Adaptation Captures Hearts with Passionate Ballroom Romance
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Netflix released "10DANCE" on December 18, 2025, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream streaming cinema. The film has quickly gained traction among viewers, with the platform positioning it as one of its boldest Japanese titles to date.
The narrative centers on two elite dancers: Shinya Suzuki, portrayed by Takeuchi, who dominates Latin dance, and Shinya Sugiki, played by Machida, who reigns as Japan's ballroom champion and is ranked second in the world. When Sugiki challenges Suzuki to compete in the "10-dance" competition—a grueling event requiring mastery of all ten dance styles, five Latin and five standard—the two rivals are forced into close collaboration, training together at Sugiki's world-class studio.
The pairing of Takeuchi and Machida has been widely praised as nearly perfect for the manga's dual protagonists. Notably, Takeuchi undertook ballroom dancing for the first time in his career for this role, bringing fresh athleticism and screen presence to the character. Critics have noted that both lead actors demonstrated such commitment to their roles that their lack of prior professional dance experience is barely perceptible.
The film succeeds in translating the manga's most compelling elements to screen. Director Keishi Otomo demonstrates understanding of how to craft a narrative that embraces audiences while remaining faithful to Inoue Satoh's original work. The adaptation recognizes that dance and romance are inseparable in this story—the physical performance becomes a language through which the characters express their deepening connection.
The film presents a thoughtful exploration of desire and connection between men within a competitive athletic context. Rather than treating the romance as secondary to the dance competition, the narrative weaves both elements together, creating a story about yearning, acceptance, and the tension between rivalry and intimacy.
The supporting cast includes Shiori Doi and Anna Ishii as the characters' respective dance partners, bringing depth to the ensemble. The film's exploration of how personal connection complicates professional rivalry offers nuance often absent from mainstream LGBTQ+ narratives.
Currently streaming exclusively on Netflix, "10DANCE" has garnered an IMDb rating of 7.2 out of 10 from over 1,300 user ratings. The film's success demonstrates growing appetite for authentic, character-driven LGBTQ+ stories that center on passion, artistry, and human connection rather than conflict or tragedy.
