Jia Lissa
For ten years, the soaring, adrenaline-fueled strains of "You Say Run" have served as the sonic heartbeat of the My Hero Academia franchise. As the series celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary, Toho Co., Ltd. has breathed new life into the iconic track, enlisting the explosive, genre-bending German electronicore band Electric Callboy for a high-octane reimagining. Released globally on September 22, the "10th Anniversary Ver." of the track represents more than just a musical collaboration; it is a bridge between the world of Japanese anime composition and the global stage of international heavy music.
The Genesis of an Anthem: Reimagining a Modern Classic
Since the debut of the My Hero Academia anime, composer Hayashi Yuki’s "You Say Run" has become synonymous with the spirit of heroism, perseverance, and the "Plus Ultra" philosophy that drives the narrative of Izuku Midoriya. Characterized by its relentless pace and triumphant orchestral swells, the original track has become a staple of internet culture, frequently used in fan edits to underscore moments of triumph or intense action.
For the 10th anniversary, Toho’s music production team sought to elevate the song for a global audience. The goal was to maintain the integrity of the original melody while injecting the visceral energy of international rock. This search led them to Electric Callboy, a German ensemble renowned for their irreverent, high-energy fusion of EDM, pop hooks, and metalcore—a stylistic match that perfectly aligns with the high-stakes, vibrant world of My Hero Academia.
A Chronology of the Collaboration
The path to this collaboration began in the creative offices of Toho, where the team identified the need for vocalists capable of delivering powerful shouts and melodic depth.
- Initial Concept: Toho’s production team conceptualized a "10th Anniversary" version that would blend the orchestral roots of the series with a modern, electronic-metal edge.
- The Connection: Hayashi Yuki, the original composer, crafted new English lyrics specifically for this iteration, designed to resonate with the core themes of the series.
- The Partnership: Following the selection of Electric Callboy—the band behind viral hits like "Hypa Hypa" and the chart-topping Babymetal collaboration "Ratatata"—frontmen Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach began work on the track.
- Live Premiere: Before the digital release, the track made a surprise live debut at the "My Hero Academia in Concert" event in London on September 20, providing a testbed for the track’s reception.
- Global Rollout: On September 22, the "10th Anniversary Ver." was released across all major global streaming platforms, accompanied by a promotional campaign featuring new character art from Bones Film.
The Artistic Vision: Bridging Worlds
The collaborative process was characterized by mutual respect between Hayashi and the members of Electric Callboy. For the German band, the opportunity to contribute to a franchise as globally influential as My Hero Academia was a significant moment in their career.
"We are beyond excited to have this opportunity to add our vocals to ‘You Say Run,’" said Ratajczak. "The melody of the song is so powerful and uplifting. It’s an iconic piece of music, and we just absolutely love the energy it projects."
Nico Sallach echoed these sentiments, noting that the recording process was a blend of professional rigor and genuine fun. "Working on this track was a huge honor. It’s not every day you get to put your stamp on a melody that has defined a generation of anime fans. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it; we really hope the fans are as excited for it as we are."
Hayashi Yuki, who has been the primary musical architect of the series, expressed his own enthusiasm for the reinvention. " ‘You Say Run’ has been reborn with an unprecedented surge of energy by fusing with the incredible vocals of Electric Callboy," Hayashi noted. "I am deeply honored and thrilled to share this special sound, which was born from the intersection of our shared energy. I truly hope the song crosses borders and genres, reaches as many hearts as possible, and resonates passionately with everyone."
Supporting Data: A Decade of Dominance
The release of this anniversary track is a tactical move by Toho to sustain momentum for a franchise that has, by all metrics, reached the upper echelon of global media properties.
- Manga Success: The original manga, authored by Horikoshi Kohei, concluded its monumental run in August 2024, having sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
- Anime Scope: The television adaptation has spanned eight seasons, totaling over 170 episodes, complemented by four feature-length films that have consistently performed well in global box offices.
- The 10th Anniversary Project: The "My Hero Academia The Animation 10th Anniversary" project is an ambitious, multi-year initiative that will continue through 2026, featuring a dedicated website that serves as a hub for archival content, new announcements, and anniversary merchandise.
- Visual Synergy: To mark the occasion, the animation studio Bones Film released a new commemorative illustration. The art features the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya ("Deku"), executing a classic "Smash" attack, designed as a direct homage to the cover art of the original Season 1 soundtrack—a visual metaphor for how far the character and the series have come.
Implications: The Evolution of Anime Soundtracks
The collaboration between Hayashi Yuki and Electric Callboy highlights a growing trend in the anime industry: the active pursuit of "crossover" music. As anime continues to shift from a niche interest to a primary driver of global pop culture, the soundscapes of these series are evolving to match their audience. By partnering with a Western band that thrives on a "party-metal" aesthetic, Toho is signaling that the My Hero Academia brand is not merely a Japanese product, but a global cultural asset.
Furthermore, the inclusion of English lyrics for the anniversary version suggests a strategic effort to remove language barriers, allowing the core emotional resonance of the show to connect with a wider, non-Japanese-speaking demographic. The success of this track may pave the way for future collaborations where anime music is treated with the same collaborative fluidity as the Western music industry’s approach to remixing and feature-artist integration.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the 10th Anniversary
With the eighth and final season having aired in fall 2025, the My Hero Academia franchise is currently transitioning from an active ongoing series to a "legacy" property. However, the intensity of the anniversary celebrations proves that the fanbase remains highly engaged.
The "10th Anniversary Ver." of "You Say Run" serves as a bridge between the conclusion of the core narrative and the enduring legacy of the characters. As the franchise looks toward 2026, it remains clear that the impact of My Hero Academia will continue to be felt not only through its animation but through the music that helped define its most pivotal moments.
For the fans, the message is clear: the journey may have reached its narrative conclusion, but the spirit of the series—and its "Plus Ultra" attitude—continues to evolve. Whether it is through the thumping bass of an Electric Callboy remix or the nostalgic imagery of a new Bones Film illustration, the world of U.A. High School remains a vibrant, living entity in the hearts of its global audience.
As Hayashi Yuki aptly summarized, "While the track is absolute perfection, the cover art is top-tier too. Plus Ultra."
Neng Nana
Reynand Wu
