Sans titre

like off the top of my head there’s

”The stage really isn’t the place to go searching for yourself” this is actually the most ironic thing homie could have said😭😭😭😭😭he didn’t know guys he didn’t knowwww

“I only encouraged her to perform at the Isshokai for my own goals” way back when, kaisei was actually the one to encourage her to participate in the selection event hmmm but that wasn’t for your own goals now was it? He did all that because that’s his fave kouhai lmao.

“I’m kinda in an hurry” and then proceeds to extend the conversation unprompted…..There’s this imagery of her chasing his back as he walks forward. But brother you are inventing reasons to look back 😭like we get it she’s your favorite kouhai and you see yourself in her we get it….

“It’s a real shame” is crazy bc from Akane’s perspective at the time, the words just remind her of her failure. She literally starts crying afterwards. But Kaisei was speaking genuinely. He would’ve liked to perform with her (as her senior lollll not as the underdog), AND it’s a shame she didn’t win with her Dad’s art, “the second half wasn’t bad.” He’s speaking to both points. This is kinda wild when we remember he’s a student of Issho.

An ISSHO OPINION would completely toss Akane’s performance at the Rensekai aside! “How can the Arakawa school entrust someone who doesn’t believe in his own art”Unlike Issho, Kaisei sees the worth in Akane’s “weakness,” and by extension Shinta’s weakness, and acknowledges it as such.

His behavior here reminds me a lot of how he acts at the start of the Isshokai. He empathizes with Akane’s fired up shonen protag mentality, but regretfully has to inform her that this event isn’t about their rivalry. It’s about rubbing elbows with rich people who barely even value rakugo as an art, as much as they do the idea of accessing the exclusive Issho Arakawa performance. Just like when he talked to Akane then, he all but admits how “It’s a real shame.”

It’s a real shame these people don’t really care about rakugo. It’s a real shame this event is all about Issho and the rest of them are just a fun side-piece, never quite able to leave his shadow. It’s a damn shame, but that’s how it is. How it always is. Over and over, what Kaisei thinks is appropriate for rakugo, does not align with how he feels about rakugo. Kaisei has been showing signs of disagreeing with Issho’s ideals/methods. The conduit for all that was and is Akane.

Essentially, Kaisei is taking everything he felt regarding Akane’s “weakness” back then, and now redirecting that energy towards his own art.

This is all very nice to see come together. While Akane has been set up to follow her Master’s legacy despite coming into rakugo for o other reasons (though her dad admits Akane would have become a rakugoka regardless of if he made it to Shin’uchi), Kaisei has been set up to reject his Master’s legacy despite coming to rakugo specifically to be like Issho.

^^This is so funny now we literally had him admit he always felt like Akane might be able to understand him. And is another example of him using Issho’s ideals as a mask for his true feelings. “I’m not interested in you” after he basically channeled all his jealousy around Rokuro and Akane into his horror performance…..Most repressed man you’ve ever seen….no wonder he is Like That.

I’m also curious about his deeper opinions on Shiguma and Shiguma’s art. Pre-heartbreak Kaisei kept insisting he didn’t care and wouldn’t mind if Akane learned Shiguma’s Art, but since failing his Shin’uchi exam, it’s a lot more personal. He “can’t forgive” Shiguma’s Art, because of how it impacts his Master, but like, Issho is a grown man. Isn’t it actually that he can’t forgive Issho and doesn’t know where to direct all his feelings, because he is still ultimately playing his games by helping him with the Isshokai and what not??? The same Isshokai where he is resigned to be a show pony??? Hmm.

Personal comments: I love the characters’ little quirks shown in the drawings, here are some that I’d like to point out. Note: This is mostly personal opinion, so I might miss some cultural context since I am not Japanese and not very in touch with Japanese culture.

[Top Panel - Topic: The River]

Koguma’s handwriting is very “mature”. Not exactly “pretty”, but it is neat. The strokes are kind of light especially at the strokes' ending, implying that the writing pace was slightly quick. Each stroke is mostly straight, with not much curve or hard angles. The hiragana characters are slightly slim and long, the kanji characters are the same, but slightly “isolated”? The way the word 修行 (Training) is written has slight gaps between each vertical sections compared to the printed characters. The word 川 (River) is more similar to the printed character, though. I think that not only he didn’t have much to write, he probably wrote the first and only thing in his mind without thinking too hard.

I'd like to think that meditating under a waterfall was Kyouji's idea. He gives me the most "monk" vibes among the disciples (probably because of his skinhead haircut). Also supported by the fact that the older disciples did not join in.

Akane putting her all in everything she does without questioning anything... that's our girl (T U T)

Guriko being Guriko (struggling) is my favorite thing ever (; _ ;)

Maikeru hiking to a river in a pair of “Geta” (Japanese sandals)?? I admire his leg muscle strength… I've never tried on a geta before but I can't imagine myself hiking in a pair of wooden filp-flops...

I love the little frog looking at the younger disciples :D

[Bottom Panel - Topic: Mountain Climbing]

Akane’s handwriting is sooo round and cute! And not as mature (obviously). The strokes are thicker/heavier, deliberate, and slow, the weight distribution in each stroke is more equal from beginning to end. The way Akane writes is kind of more "freestyle"? The hiragana characters are very round, curvy and wide, and some of the kanji characters' ratios or strokes are not exactly "by the standards." For example, the word 兄さん (Ani-san) was written twice with slight variations. For the first 兄さん written (the last three characters of the first row from the right), the hiragana and kanji characters are more similar to the printed characters. Although I would like to point out that the way the hiragana さ (Sa) was written is preferred by younger people or people who started practicing hiragana, probably because it was based on the printed character that learners can finish within two strokes. For the second 兄さん written (the last three characters of the middle row), the kanji 兄 (Older brother) is written with very little regard to stroke order, in which the top part looks like a single stroke formed into an oval shape. To elaborate, the 兄 kanji consists of 5 strokes: 3 strokes for the top part (口), 2 strokes for the bottom part (儿). The stroke order for 口 is as follws: 1. | (Left vertical line) 2. ㄱ (Top horizontal line followed by a vertical line downward) 3. _ (Bottom horizontal line) As you can see, this is why Akane's 1-stroke oval with 2 bottom strokes look quite different from the printed character. What a rebel (I could never). Additionally, the way the hiragana さ (Sa) was written this time is quicker and more "mature", since this way of writing the character さ consists of 3 strokes instead of 2 due to the reduction of the "C"-like curve connecting the top vertical stroke and the bottom horizontal stroke together, which makes it faster to write the character without having to drag out and finish the curve.

Kyouji’s backpack being stuffed with necessities is so himmm I love how reliable and over-prepared he isssss

Guriko trying to look out for Koguma and pointing out to him that a photo is about to be taken and ended up as a candid photo is also my favorite thing ever (; _ ;)

I don't expect someone who prefers cooping up with his books to do well with mountain climbing, especially with 4 other people who are more active/outdoorsy than him (I wouldn't survive either). You did well king.

Maikeru taking the picture without waiting for everyone to look at the camera is very telling of his interactions with the other disciples (messes with his rakugo siblings (sometimes))

Even though Maikeru used a selfie stick to take his photo in the waterfall panel, the mountain climbing selfie seems to imply that he took the group selfie by hand... but I guess they have less distance between each other, so I guess that makes sense?

Personal comments: I love the characters’ little quirks shown in the drawings, here are some that I’d like to point out. Note: This is mostly personal opinion, so I might miss some cultural context since I am not Japanese and not very in touch with Japanese culture.

[Top Panel - Topic: The River]

Koguma’s handwriting is very “mature”. Not exactly “pretty”, but it is neat. The strokes are kind of light especially at the strokes' ending, implying that the writing pace was slightly quick. Each stroke is mostly straight, with not much curve or hard angles. The hiragana characters are slightly slim and long, the kanji characters are the same, but slightly “isolated”? The way the word 修行 (Training) is written has slight gaps between each vertical sections compared to the printed characters. The word 川 (River) is more similar to the printed character, though. I think that not only he didn’t have much to write, he probably wrote the first and only thing in his mind without thinking too hard.

I'd like to think that meditating under a waterfall was Kyouji's idea. He gives me the most "monk" vibes among the disciples (probably because of his skinhead haircut). Also supported by the fact that the older disciples did not join in.

Akane putting her all in everything she does without questioning anything... that's our girl (T U T)

Guriko being Guriko (struggling) is my favorite thing ever (; _ ;)

Maikeru hiking to a river in a pair of “Geta” (Japanese sandals)?? I admire his leg muscle strength… I've never tried on a geta before but I can't imagine myself hiking in a pair of wooden filp-flops...

I love the little frog looking at the younger disciples :D

[Bottom Panel - Topic: Mountain Climbing]

Akane’s handwriting is sooo round and cute! And not as mature (obviously). The strokes are thicker/heavier, deliberate, and slow, the weight distribution in each stroke is more equal from beginning to end. The way Akane writes is kind of more "freestyle"? The hiragana characters are very round, curvy and wide, and some of the kanji characters' ratios or strokes are not exactly "by the standards." For example, the word 兄さん (Ani-san) was written twice with slight variations. For the first 兄さん written (the last three characters of the first row from the right), the hiragana and kanji characters are more similar to the printed characters. Although I would like to point out that the way the hiragana さ (Sa) was written is preferred by younger people or people who started practicing hiragana, probably because it was based on the printed character that learners can finish within two strokes. For the second 兄さん written (the last three characters of the middle row), the kanji 兄 (Older brother) is written with very little regard to stroke order, in which the top part looks like a single stroke formed into an oval shape. To elaborate, the 兄 kanji consists of 5 strokes: 3 strokes for the top part (口), 2 strokes for the bottom part (儿). The stroke order for 口 is as follws: 1. | (Left vertical line) 2. ㄱ (Top horizontal line followed by a vertical line downward) 3. _ (Bottom horizontal line) As you can see, this is why Akane's 1-stroke oval with 2 bottom strokes look quite different from the printed character. What a rebel (I could never). Additionally, the way the hiragana さ (Sa) was written this time is quicker and more "mature", since this way of writing the character さ consists of 3 strokes instead of 2 due to the reduction of the "C"-like curve connecting the top vertical stroke and the bottom horizontal stroke together, which makes it faster to write the character without having to drag out and finish the curve.

Kyouji’s backpack being stuffed with necessities is so himmm I love how reliable and over-prepared he isssss

Guriko trying to look out for Koguma and pointing out to him that a photo is about to be taken and ended up as a candid photo is also my favorite thing ever (; _ ;)

I don't expect someone who prefers cooping up with his books to do well with mountain climbing, especially with 4 other people who are more active/outdoorsy than him (I wouldn't survive either). You did well king.

Maikeru taking the picture without waiting for everyone to look at the camera is very telling of his interactions with the other disciples (messes with his rakugo siblings (sometimes))

Even though Maikeru used a selfie stick to take his photo in the waterfall panel, the mountain climbing selfie seems to imply that he took the group selfie by hand... but I guess they have less distance between each other, so I guess that makes sense?

Publication: December 10, 2025

Takeuchi Ryoma

Despite being the Japanese champion in Latin dance, Suzuki Shinya hesitates to step onto the world stage. Having had almost zero dance experience, playing him was an unprecedented challenge for Takeuchi Ryoma-san, who said, "It required tremendous resolve."

Takeuchi: I really wondered if I could overcome the high hurdle of ballroom dance by confronting it directly. It took some time to sort through my feelings and consider my body before I could come to a decision. Once I made up my mind, all I could do was give it my all. Since I had already been cast as Suzuki, it made me happy when it was decided that Machida-kun would play Sugiki. I thought this was a production we wouldn't be able to overcome unless both of us were truly prepared, but I felt that Machida-kun was a trustworthy person when we worked together in the past, so I was completely at ease. And it wasn't just him, but also Director Otomo and all of the teachers who taught us dance, shared an unspoken understanding even before filming began that, "Even if there are risks involved, let's challenge ourselves to embark on a journey that overcomes incredibly high hurdles," and I feel that this contributed to the success of this film.

When asked about his thoughts on trying out dancing, he had a smile on his face as he said, "……It felt like I had Latin blood running through my veins."

Takeuchi: Even though that was just a joke (laughs), when I read the original manga, I just had a feeling that I'd be playing Suzuki, and that intuition turned out to be correct. I was able to get through the dance scenes because I trusted my teachers 100%. To overcome such a short training period, one where it'd normally be difficult to even grasp the basics of competitive dance, it was necessary for me and my teachers to trust each other and take on the challenge together. Before we went into filming, I went to watch a ballroom dance competition and was overwhelmed by how incredibly cool it was, so it was really great that I ended up loving it. It's also become something very near and dear to me.

Takeuchi-san was also supported by the presence of his costars.

Takeuchi: My partner Doi Shiori-chan learned the dance quickly since she used to do ballet, all while I was right beside her, on the verge of tears and struggling through it (laughs). Including Machida-kun and his partner Ishii-san, we all practiced together every day during the filming period, so it felt like we were family. Dance conveys more than words ever could, and we became incredibly close during that short period of time. I think that great atmosphere really shined through in the film as well.

Takeuchi-san thinks that Suzuki and Sugiki were so intensely drawn to each other because they're unique individuals who understand each other very well.

Takeuchi: Those who stand on the world stage are on a certain level, where they possess a sense of conviction, authenticity, and artistic spirit, and because of that, I think that there are times when other people just don't understand them. Through these circumstances, Suzuki and Sugiki have a fateful encounter, teach each other to dance, and as they exchange energy by touching each other's bodies, they come to realize that the one standing in front of them accepts and understands them for who they truly are. That's why I think they felt compelled to open themselves up and take a chance. I believe that 10Dance is a film that beautifully portrays emotions that can't be put into words and things beyond human control, like the desires inherent in people, through the world of competitive dance. This film is filled with both Suzuki and Sugiki's energy and love, so I hope you'll enjoy it. And, I also hope that the competitive dances we took on, including Latin dance and standard dance, will become more widespread. Watching competitive ballroom dancing made me realize all over again that people live by relying on others. I believe it conveys that beautiful things are born in moments where people respect and help each other out, so I hope you'll watch it.

Machida Keita

Machida Keita-san plays Sugiki Shinya, the Japanese champion in the standard (ballroom dance) division and holder of the world's second best record. Despite having dance experience, he revealed that it took him a considerable amount of time before he decided to accept the role.

Machida: I have quite abit of passion when it comes to dance, and I seriously struggled over whether to accept the offer or not. Still, I've always wanted to work with Director Otomo, and I felt an incredible amount of energy coming from him when we met. And then, seeing Takeuchi-kun, who had zero dance experience, taking on the challenge inspired me to do it for myself too. Not only is Takeuchi-kun well built, but he's also very athletic, and is the kind of person who's always in a super good mood (laughs). My vision for the role kept expanding, and I was really looking forward to working together with him.

Filming the dance was as difficult as he had imagined.

Machida: Including 10Dance's original story, I've always enjoyed reading manga centered around ballroom dancing, such as "Welcome to the Ballroom." That's why I had my own impression of competitive dance, but once I had to face it, I realized it was something with a long history that also involved sport elements, so it's incredibly difficult. When I actually started dancing, I thought, "This is impossible." I had to become the dancer known as the "Emperor," someone who could perform on the world stage, within a three month training period. However, I thought I probably wouldn't take on the role of a dancer again after this production ended, so I tackled it with the intention of giving it my all. First, the standard dances I performed had fairly fixed forms in terms of footwork, movement, and technique. Also, unlike with Latin dance, where the two dancers are occasionally separated, you need to constantly stick close to your partner and dance in perfect time. Up until now, I've mostly danced alone to styles like hip hop, so in that regard too, it felt like the difficulty level was extremely high.

For his role as Sugiki, he says, "There are many parts of him that I can relate to, and he's an incredibly lovely character."

Machida: He's someone who has the tendency to seriously suppress himself, all while holding in the desire to free himself and do as he pleases. In his pursuit of perfection, you may find yourself understanding many aspects about him, including the pain of being at your breaking point, and that side of him that makes those around him feel nervous. It wasn't nearly as much as Sugiki, but during the time I was practicing as him, I think I was considerably on edge (laughs).

How did Machida-san analyze the reason why Suzuki and Sugiki were drawn to each other?

Machida: While there are aspects like their backgrounds and personalities that are completely different, there are also similarities between them, such as their intense passion and love for dance, underlying spirit, and being first class performers. Isn't it exactly because they possess contrasting qualities that they're drawn to each other? There's a scene where Sugiki tells Suzuki, "You're the one I admire," and I truly believe that he meant it. Watching how Suzuki lives freely and does as he pleases, Sugiki probably finds some salvation in it, as he's living life in a completely different direction from him. I believe that they both feel a deep connection for each other, where they're drawn to each other not only as dancers, but also as individuals. This film depicts a variety of elements such as dance and love, but I felt that the story, where the idea that encountering and interacting with someone who helps you grow allows you to discover your true self, was incredibly beautiful. It's necessary to maintain a proper sense of distance, but I also think it's a good thing to show respect and interact with others at a closer distance, like with hand shaking. When this production finally got underway, Takeuchi-kun shook hands with all of the cast members, which gave me a sense of reassurance, and the distance between us closed considerably. And, if those who watch this film think, "Ballroom dancing is cool," then nothing else would make me happier.

Machida Keita x Takeuchi Ryoma

In 10Dance, Takeuchi Ryoma-san and Machida Keita-san costar together for the first time in about eight years. We asked the pair, who deepened their bond by overcoming grueling dance rehearsals and filming sessions, about their memories from the shoot and what they find appealing about each other.

"Please tell us what Takeuchi-san finds appealing about Sugiki, and what Machida-san finds appealing about Suzuki."

Machida: Suzuki is the free and wild type. While he has a presence that shines like the sun itself, you can also see aspects of him suppressing his true self. That kind of gap is appealing, and I think it's something that only came through because Takeuchi-kun played the role.

Takeuchi: Sugiki is reflected in Machida-kun's personality. That being his thoughtful communication, and his meticulousness when it came to approaching dance and the production. I think that sense of tidiness that comes from those aspects is really reflected in Sugiki. What's more, when we danced together, I could feel the passion and energy hidden within him. That balance is sexy, and I think that must be what brought out Sugiki's charm.

Machida: There's a scene where Sugiki says Suzuki's lead is "unpleasant," but personally, I didn't find it unpleasant at all (laughs). His lead was surprisingly gentle and delicate.

Takeuchi: (laughs). On the flip side, the precision in Machida-kun's hold was powerful, and it made me feel like I was being dominated. Him being stronger than me is how it should be.

"Was there anything that left an impression on you from the time you spent on set?"

Takeuchi: We were constantly doing dance practices for long hours, and filming was just an extension of that, so even during the actual shoot, it still felt like we were in the middle of an intense practice. Suzuki and Sugiki are in competition with each other, but they're helping each other. That feeling was great.

Machida: We took on each and every film session fighting like hell, right? After we'd finish each dance, we received feedback from the teachers, where it felt like we were competing in a dance competition and being judged. Based on the outcome I'd think, "What should I do next?," and then dance again…over and over again. Still, every time we'd dance through the whole routine, our connection improved, and the things I understood kept increasing in an interesting way. I think it was similar to the film's story, where they both inspire each other and aim higher. At any rate, it was the first time I'd ever experienced sensing a "smell" while watching a preview screening.

Takeuchi: When I danced with Machida-kun, I could feel this incredibly strong energy emanating from us, so maybe that's what you perceived as a scent.

Machida: Still, Takeuchi-kun is truly amazing. I was shocked by his moves, as you would've never guessed that he had almost zero dance experience. Everyone on set was impressed with him too.

Takeuchi: No, no, isn't Machida-kun the amazing one? Right at the beginning, there's a scene where Sugiki moves slowly like he's doing Tai Chi at his dance school, but since I'm so restless, there's no way I could ever move like that (laughs).

"You also filmed at the holy land of ballroom dancing, that being in Blackpool, England."

Takeuchi: It was amazing, wasn't it? Just thinking about dancing in a place like that feels like a dream.

Machida: It's a place rich in history, with the floor stained in the dancers sweat and the creaking sounds they made. There was so much energy, that I felt like I was receiving it from the place itself. We practiced in Blackpool too, and we learned so many new things that our teachers told us, "You've improved significantly." It felt almost miraculous.

Takeuchi: We kept practicing and improving, but sometimes we'd hit a wall, and then there'd be that moment where we'd suddenly break through and make progress, right? Still, since we never knew when that breakthrough moment would come, there were times where we felt incredibly drained.

Machida: That was exactly it, like how after we arrived in Blackpool, Takeuchi-kun was feeling pretty overwhelmed and went for a run along the seashore, or so I heard (laughs).

Takeuchi: Right, right, right (laughs).

Machida: When someone showed me a video they had taken, he was running crazy fast. It made me think, "That's Suzuki!"

Takeuchi: I was still feeling abit nervous. On top of that, I had heard that Machida-kun had a pretty good grasp on things.

Machida: That was largely due to the fact that I was paired up with Nadiya-san, the dancer who plays Liana (Sugiki's former partner). She's a true professional who pulled me along, and I also felt like she opened up new opportunities for me.

Takeuchi: Watching the video of Machida-kun dancing at that time was truly wonderful. Because I had seen how he struggled in Tokyo, I truly felt happy for him. On the other hand, I felt pressured to break out of my slump, so I ended up running along the seashore (laughs). It was great that my breakthrough moment finally came on the final day.

"This issue features the special section on horoscopes titled "Love and Fate." Do you believe in fate?"

Machida: It exists, right?

Takeuchi: It does! Of course, there are times where I'll think it's fate…but then it turns out to be something else (laughs). I think it largely depends on how you look at it.

Machida: Thinking, "This is fate" can be alot more fun and beautiful.

Takeuchi: Still, I think it was totally fate that I got to work with Machida-kun on this film, you know?