Toho Co., Ltd. has officially launched a high-octane, 10th-anniversary version of "You Say Run," the iconic and beloved theme from the global phenomenon "My Hero Academia." For this special milestone release, acclaimed composer Hayashi Yuki has joined forces with the high-energy German electronicore band Electric Callboy, resulting in a thrilling cross-cultural and cross-genre collaboration that has captured the attention of anime and music fans alike. The newly reimagined track received its explosive live debut on September 20 at the "My Hero Academia in Concert" show in London, giving lucky concertgoers an exclusive first taste of the song ahead of its wider international rollout. The global digital release followed on September 22, making the track available for streaming across all major platforms worldwide.
The pairing of Hayashi Yuki and Electric Callboy came about as Toho’s music team was actively searching for international artists who could deliver the kind of powerful shouts and soaring melodic vocals necessary to match the high-energy tone of the anime’s most legendary moments. Electric Callboy, known widely for their viral hits such as "Hypa Hypa," "We Got the Moves," and their recent high-profile Babymetal collaboration "Ratatata," proved to be a perfect fit. The collaboration began to take shape after Hayashi penned brand-new English lyrics specifically for this anniversary version. This lyrical development caught the attention of Electric Callboy’s frontmen, Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach, setting the stage for a unique partnership that bridges the worlds of symphonic anime scoring and modern electronic metalcore.
For the members of Electric Callboy, contributing to the legacy of "My Hero Academia" was an opportunity they could not pass up. Ratajczak expressed profound enthusiasm for the project, noting the undeniable emotional impact of the source material. "We are beyond excited to have this opportunity to add our vocals to ‘You Say Run,’" Ratajczak said. "The melody of ‘You Say Run’ is so powerful and uplifting – we just absolutely love this song." Echoing these sentiments, Sallach described the recording process as an incredible honor and an experience filled with pure fun. "We can’t wait for everyone to hear it!" Sallach added, sharing his excitement for how fans around the world would react to the fusion of their signature vocal style with the legendary anime theme. "We really hope you’re as excited for it as we are."
The newly minted track brilliantly weaves the original orchestral arrangement composed by Hayashi into Electric Callboy’s signature blend of heavy electronic dance music and infectious pop hooks. The timing of the release coincides with a decade of milestones for the anime, which first premiered ten years ago and has since cemented its status as a cornerstone of modern pop culture. Reflecting on the creative process, Hayashi praised the transformative result of 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 stated. "I am deeply honored and thrilled to share this special sound born from the intersection of our shared energy."
To further celebrate the global release of the 10th-anniversary track, Bones Film unveiled a striking new piece of official illustration. The artwork features the series’ protagonist, Izuku Midoriya—affectionately known by fans as "Deku"—delivering a signature "Smash" attack. The visual composition serves as a direct and nostalgic nod to the iconic cover art of the anime’s original Season 1 soundtrack, beautifully bridging the franchise’s humble beginnings with its massive, decade-long evolution. Hayashi emphasized his hopes for the track’s broad appeal, while also giving a nod to the accompanying visual artwork that accompanies the release. "I truly hope the song crosses borders and genres, reaches as many hearts as possible, and resonates passionately with everyone," Hayashi remarked. "And while the track is absolute perfection, the cover art is top-tier too. Plus Ultra."
The release of the "You Say Run -10th Anniversary Ver.-" arrives at a time of immense reflection and celebration for the "My Hero Academia" franchise as a whole. Marking a full decade since the property first captured international audiences, the series remains firmly entrenched as one of the most successful and enduring anime and manga properties in history. The original manga, created by Horikoshi Kohei, officially concluded its remarkable run in August 2024 after achieving the monumental milestone of selling more than 100 million copies globally. Meanwhile, the anime adaptation has grown into a massive enterprise spanning eight seasons, over 170 episodes, and four major feature films. The new musical collaboration stands as a premier highlight of the ongoing "My Hero Academia The Animation 10th Anniversary" project, an extended celebration scheduled to continue through 2026 with ongoing updates and announcements hosted on the initiative’s dedicated official website.
"My Hero Academia" is widely celebrated as a foundational modern Japanese anime and manga series. Set in a sprawling fictional world where approximately 80 percent of the global population manifests some form of extraordinary superpowered ability known as a "Quirk," the narrative primarily follows Izuku Midoriya. Born completely ordinary and without a Quirk in a world of extraordinary individuals, Midoriya nevertheless harbors grand ambitions of becoming a hero. After a fateful encounter with the world’s greatest hero, All Might, Midoriya inherits a powerful Quirk and enrolls in the prestigious U.A. High School. Alongside his diverse and fiercely loyal classmates, he undergoes rigorous training to protect society from natural disasters and an escalating threat of Quirk-wielding villains. The anime adaptation brought its monumental television run to a close with the broadcast of its eighth and final season in the fall of 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to be celebrated through multimedia projects, concert events, and musical tributes like the newly released anniversary track.
Electric Callboy, meanwhile, continues to expand its global footprint through its distinct and high-energy musical style. Formed in Germany in 2010, the band has steadily built a massive international following by pioneering a genre-blending sound that seamlessly merges aggressive metalcore elements with vibrant electronic pop hooks and high-concept, humorous visual presentations. Their catalog of hits includes viral sensations such as "Hypa Hypa," "We Got the Moves," and the explosive Babymetal collaborative track "Ratatata." As the band builds tremendous momentum toward the release of their upcoming full-length album, "Tanzneid," this unexpected collaboration with Hayashi Yuki and Toho Co., Ltd. further showcases their versatility and expanding influence across international media boundaries.
The "You Say Run -10th Anniversary Ver.-" by Hayashi Yuki featuring Electric Callboy is available now for streaming and digital purchase across all major global music platforms.
