Toho Co., Ltd. has officially announced a high-voltage, cross-cultural musical collaboration to celebrate a major milestone for one of the modern era’s most successful anime franchises. The studio has set a global release for a special 10th-anniversary version of "You Say Run," the iconic and beloved theme track from "My Hero Academia." This reimagined anthem pairs original composer Yuki Hayashi with the high-energy German electronicore band Electric Callboy. Following a surprise live debut in front of an enthusiastic audience, the track is slated for a wider digital rollout across major streaming platforms.
The reworked track first made waves when it debuted live at the "My Hero Academia in Concert" event held in London. This special performance served as an early preview ahead of the track’s wider global rollout, catching fans off guard and instantly generating massive online buzz within both the anime and electronic music communities. Electric Callboy, a band celebrated for its explosive blend of electronic dance music, pop hooks, and aggressive metalcore, features vocalists Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach. The cross-continental partnership came together after Hayashi penned brand-new English lyrics specifically for this anniversary edition. Toho’s music team had been actively searching for international artists who possessed the capability to deliver powerful shouts alongside soaring, melodic vocals—elements essential for capturing the relentless, high-octane energy synonymous with the series.
The collaboration has been met with immense enthusiasm from the artists involved, who expressed deep admiration for both the source material and the creative process. Kevin Ratajczak shared his excitement regarding the project, noting how deeply the band connects with the underlying emotion of the composition. He explained that the band was beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to add their distinct vocal style to the iconic piece, emphasizing that the melody of "You Say Run" possesses a uniquely powerful and uplifting quality that resonated with them instantly.
Echoing those sentiments, Nico Sallach described working on the track as an experience defined by pure fun and an immense honor. He noted that the band couldn’t wait for fans around the world to finally hear the finished product, expressing a heartfelt hope that listeners would share the same level of excitement and anticipation that the group felt while bringing the track to life.
Musically, the new version successfully bridges two distinct sonic worlds by weaving the original composition’s sweeping orchestral arrangements directly into Electric Callboy’s signature cocktail of heavy EDM drops and infectious pop sensibilities. This ambitious fusion arrives precisely a decade after the anime adaptation first captured the imaginations of viewers worldwide. Yuki Hayashi reflected on the creative journey and the striking results of the collaboration, pointing out that one of the defining themes of "My Hero Academia" has been reborn with an unprecedented surge of energy thanks to the integration of Electric Callboy’s powerhouse vocals. Hayashi expressed deep honor and thrill in sharing a special sound born from the intersection of their respective creative energies.
To further commemorate the global release, animation studio Bones Film unveiled a striking new piece of official illustration. The artwork depicts the series protagonist, Izuku Midoriya—affectionately known to fans as "Deku"—delivering a signature "Smash" attack. This dynamic visual serves as a direct and nostalgic nod to the cover art of the anime’s original first-season soundtrack, bridging the gap between the franchise’s humble beginnings and its current global stature.
Looking forward, Hayashi hopes the newly minted anthem will transcend traditional boundaries. He expressed a sincere desire for the song to cross international borders and musical genres, reach as many hearts as possible, and resonate passionately with listeners everywhere. Highlighting both the auditory and visual elements of the celebration, Hayashi praised the collaborative effort from top to bottom, affirming that while the newly minted track stands as absolute perfection, the accompanying commemorative artwork is equally top-tier in true "Plus Ultra" fashion.
The release of this commemorative single arrives as "My Hero Academia" celebrates a decade of cultural dominance since its initial television debut. Over the past ten years, the property has firmly established itself as one of the most commercially successful and influential anime and manga properties in modern history. The original manga, written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, officially concluded its serialization in August 2024 after achieving staggering worldwide sales exceeding 100 million copies globally. On the screen, the animated adaptation has grown into a massive enterprise spanning eight distinct seasons, more than 170 episodes, and four feature-length theatrical films.
This track is a cornerstone of the broader "My Hero Academia The Animation 10th Anniversary" project, an ongoing multi-year celebration designed to honor the legacy of the series. The anniversary initiative is scheduled to continue rolling out special events, projects, and merchandise through 2026, with ongoing updates, announcements, and schedules hosted directly on the initiative’s dedicated official website.
"You Say Run -10th Anniversary Ver.-" by Yuki Hayashi featuring Electric Callboy is available for streaming globally across all major digital music platforms.
For those unfamiliar with the cultural phenomenon, "My Hero Academia" is a critically acclaimed Japanese anime and manga franchise created by Kohei Horikoshi. The narrative is set in a vibrant alternate society where approximately 80% of the global population is born with unique superpowered abilities known as "Quirks." The storyline primarily follows Izuku Midoriya—a boy born entirely without a Quirk in a superpowered world—alongside his diverse classmates at the prestigious U.A. High School. Together, they undergo rigorous training to master their abilities and become professional heroes dedicated to protecting society from natural disasters and villainous threats. The television anime series recently concluded its television run with the broadcast of its eighth and final season.
Electric Callboy, meanwhile, has spent over a decade forging a unique path in the global music scene. Formed in Germany in 2010, the band has steadily built a massive international following through a string of genre-bending, viral hits, including "Hypa Hypa," "We Got the Moves," and their high-profile collaboration with Japanese metal idol group Babymetal on the track "Ratatata." Fusing the raw aggression of metalcore with infectious club-ready electronic pop, the group continues to expand its global footprint while generating significant momentum around their latest musical projects and studio albums.
