tencount

Ten Count is a Japanese yaoi (BL) manga series written and illustrated by Rihito Takarai. It was published by Libre Publishing for the Be x Boy imprint and has been released in English by SuBLime. The work is known for its distinct art style and its exploration of mature emotional themes within a romantic relationship.

The story centers on Shirotani, a man who suffers from severe mysophobia, and his psychiatrist, Kuroe. After seeking therapy to address his anxiety, Shirotani and Kuroe develop a highly intimate relationship that moves beyond the clinical setting. The narrative examines trauma, trust, vulnerability, and the complexities of consent and power dynamics in a therapist-patient context. A recurring motif in the series is the idea of counting to ten as a way to regulate anxiety and gradually increase closeness, which gives the title its name and serves as a structural device in the story.

Characters include Shirotani, the patient, and Kuroe, the physician. The relationship is depicted with intense emotional and physical content, reflecting the author’s focus on the pressures of desire, control, and healing.

Publication and reception: Ten Count has been collected into several volumes in Japan and has been released in English, contributing to the international popularity of BL manga. It has been widely discussed for its bold subject matter and art, though it has also drawn critique for its portrayal of consent and the portrayal of a sexual relationship within a therapeutic context.

Adaptations: As of now, there has been no announced anime or live-action adaptation. See also: Rihito Takarai, Be x Boy, SuBLime.