Toho Co., Ltd. has officially unveiled a commemorative 10th-anniversary version of “You Say Run,” the iconic theme song from the globally acclaimed anime series My Hero Academia. This special reimagining of the track, composed by Yuki Hayashi, features a high-energy collaboration with the celebrated German electronic-metal band Electric Callboy. The track, which serves as a centerpiece for the ongoing decade-long celebration of the franchise, was released to global audiences on September 22.
The reworked anthem first made its public debut during the “My Hero Academia in Concert” event held in London on September 20, providing fans with an early, electrifying preview of the studio version that would follow just two days later. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for the anime’s musical legacy, blending the orchestral grandeur of Hayashi’s original composition with the signature, high-octane EDM-metalcore fusion that has made Electric Callboy a worldwide phenomenon.
A Global Collaboration Born of Shared Energy
The partnership between the Japanese composer and the German band came about through a strategic search by Toho’s music production team. Seeking to elevate the high-energy, inspirational tone that defines My Hero Academia, the team looked beyond borders to find international artists capable of delivering the powerful, shouted vocals and infectious melodic hooks required to breathe new life into one of the anime’s most recognizable tracks.
Electric Callboy, known for their viral hits such as “Hypa Hypa” and their recent chart-topping collaboration with Babymetal, “Ratatata,” proved to be the ideal choice. The band’s vocalists, Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach, were brought into the project after Hayashi penned new English lyrics specifically for this anniversary edition.
Reflecting on the experience, Ratajczak expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting the profound impact the original melody has had on fans. “We are beyond excited to have this opportunity to add our vocals to ‘You Say Run,’” Ratajczak stated. “The melody of ‘You Say Run’ is so powerful and uplifting—we just absolutely love this song.”
His bandmate, Nico Sallach, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the production. “Working on the track was pure fun and a huge honor,” Sallach added. “We can’t wait for everyone to hear it! We really hope you’re as excited for it as we are.”
Reimagining an Iconic Theme
The 10th-anniversary version of “You Say Run” does not simply copy the original; rather, it folds the familiar orchestral arrangement into a modern, aggressive soundscape. By integrating Electric Callboy’s signature pop-hooks and heavy electronic influences, the track achieves a sense of renewed momentum, bridging the gap between the anime’s orchestral roots and the band’s high-energy sonic identity.
Yuki Hayashi, who has been the primary musical force behind My Hero Academia’s sound, expressed his deep satisfaction with the collaboration. “’You Say Run,’ one of the signature tracks representing My Hero Academia, has been reborn with an unprecedented surge of energy by fusing with the incredible vocals of Electric Callboy,” Hayashi remarked. “I am deeply honored and thrilled to share this special sound born from the intersection of our shared energy.”
Hayashi further emphasized his desire for the music to transcend boundaries, hoping that the song’s message would reach a global audience. “I truly hope the song crosses borders and genres, reaches as many hearts as possible, and resonates passionately with everyone,” he said. “And while the track is absolute perfection, the cover art is top-tier too. Plus Ultra.”
Celebrating a Decade of Heroism
To coincide with the musical release, Bones Film—the studio behind the My Hero Academia animation—unveiled a stunning new illustration to commemorate the occasion. The artwork depicts the series’ protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, famously known as “Deku,” performing a powerful “Smash.” The visual is a thoughtful nod to the cover art of the anime’s original Season 1 soundtrack, serving as a symbolic bridge between the series’ humble beginnings and its current status as a global pop-culture titan.
The release of this track is a key component of the ongoing “My Hero Academia The Animation 10th Anniversary” project. Since its debut a decade ago, the franchise has cemented itself as one of the most successful anime properties in history. Based on the manga by Kohei Horikoshi—which concluded its run in August 2024 after selling over 100 million copies worldwide—the anime series has expanded to encompass eight seasons, over 170 episodes, and four feature films.
The 10th-anniversary project is expected to continue through 2026, with Toho promising further announcements and events to be detailed on the official anniversary website. For fans, this period represents both a celebration of the journey they have shared with Deku and his classmates at U.A. High School and a look forward to the lasting legacy of the series.
Background on the Artists and the Series
My Hero Academia is set in a world where approximately 80% of the human population possesses a superpowered ability known as a “Quirk.” The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a young man born without powers who dreams of becoming a hero, as he navigates the rigorous training at U.A. High School to protect society from disaster and a rising tide of Quirk-wielding villains. The anime concluded its run with its eighth season in the fall of 2025, leaving a monumental impact on the medium.
Electric Callboy, formed in Germany in 2010, has spent over a decade honing a sound that intentionally defies genre constraints. By blending the frantic intensity of metalcore with the infectious, danceable rhythms of modern EDM, the band has built a massive international following. Their success, punctuated by tracks like “We Got the Moves” and their work with Japanese icons Babymetal, has established them as one of the most dynamic acts in the rock and metal scene today. The band is currently capitalizing on this momentum as they promote their latest album, Tanzneid.
The convergence of these two entities—the cinematic, heroic sounds of Yuki Hayashi’s My Hero Academia and the high-octane energy of Electric Callboy—serves as a fitting tribute to a series that has defined the anime landscape for the last ten years. “You Say Run -10th Anniversary Ver.-” is currently available for streaming across all major digital platforms, inviting both long-time fans of the series and newcomers to the band to experience the evolution of a modern classic. As the franchise continues to celebrate its anniversary through 2026, this collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring power of the “Plus Ultra” spirit.
