by Special Anniversary Movie Highlights Izuku Midoriya’s Growth to the Iconic Theme “You Say Run”
The beloved anime franchise My Hero Academia has officially kicked off its 10th-anniversary celebrations with the release of a special commemorative video titled “PLUS ULTRA MOVIE: You Can Become a Hero.” Released on June 16, also known as Hero Day, the emotional tribute revisits protagonist Izuku Midoriya’s inspiring journey from a Quirkless boy to one of the greatest heroes of his generation.
Created by members of the original anime production team, the anniversary video combines memorable scenes, newly animated footage, and the iconic soundtrack track “You Say Run” to celebrate a decade of one of the most influential anime series of modern times.
The video serves as both a tribute to the franchise’s legacy and a heartfelt thank-you to fans who have supported the series over the past ten years.
What Is Hero Day?
June 16 has become a significant date for My Hero Academia fans worldwide.
The day was officially recognized as Hero Day following the broadcast of Episode 49 of Season 3, titled One For All, on June 16, 2018. The episode featured the legendary showdown between All Might and All For One, one of the most emotional and defining battles in anime history.
Since then, the franchise has celebrated Hero Day annually with special announcements, commemorative artwork, fan campaigns, and exclusive content.
This year’s Hero Day carries even greater significance as part of the anime’s 10th Anniversary Memorial Project.
“You Can Become a Hero” – A Tribute to Deku’s Journey
The centerpiece of this year’s celebration is the special anniversary video, which focuses on the personal growth of Izuku Midoriya, better known as Deku.
The story begins with a young Midoriya admiring the world’s greatest hero, All Might, from afar. Born without a Quirk in a society where superpowers are commonplace, Deku seemed destined to never achieve his dream of becoming a hero.
Everything changed when All Might delivered the words that would define Midoriya’s life:
“You can become a hero.”
The anniversary movie follows Deku’s path from that life-changing moment through his many struggles, victories, friendships, and sacrifices.
Accompanied by the powerful orchestral soundtrack “You Say Run,” the video captures the emotional core of the series and reminds fans why Deku’s journey has resonated with millions around the world.
Original Staff Reunite for the Anniversary Project
One of the most exciting aspects of the anniversary video is the involvement of key staff members who have been with the anime since the beginning.
Among them is legendary animator and character designer Yoshihiko Umakoshi, who has played a major role in shaping the visual identity of My Hero Academia.
The anniversary project reunites creators who contributed to:
- Character designs
- Key visuals
- Original animation work
- Story presentation
- Iconic action sequences
Their combined efforts help create a video that not only celebrates the series’ history but also showcases the passion and dedication that have fueled its success over the past decade.
The result is a visually stunning tribute that perfectly embodies the franchise’s famous motto:
PLUS ULTRA
Why “You Say Run” Remains So Important
For many fans, You Say Run is more than just a soundtrack track—it has become the musical symbol of My Hero Academia itself.
Composed by Yuki Hayashi, the track has accompanied countless emotional and heroic moments throughout the anime.
The song’s uplifting melody and dramatic build-up perfectly represent the themes of:
- Courage
- Determination
- Growth
- Heroism
- Overcoming adversity
By using You Say Run in the anniversary video, the creators successfully evoke memories from every stage of Deku’s journey.
Many fans have already described the video as nostalgic, inspiring, and emotional.
The Legacy of My Hero Academia
Since its debut, My Hero Academia has grown into one of the most successful anime and manga franchises in the world.
Created by Kohei Horikoshi, the manga began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 2014 and quickly became one of the magazine’s flagship titles.
Series Achievements
- Over 100 million manga copies sold worldwide
- Serialized from 2014 to 2024
- Eight anime seasons were produced
- Multiple blockbuster anime films
- Global popularity across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Numerous awards and industry recognitions
The series has consistently ranked among the world’s most-watched anime and remains one of the most influential modern shonen titles.
A Story That Inspired a Generation
Set in a world where superpowers known as Quirks are common, My Hero Academia follows aspiring heroes training to protect society from villains who misuse their abilities.
At its heart, however, the series is about much more than superpowers.
The story explores themes such as:
Never Giving Up
Deku’s journey demonstrates that determination can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
Friendship and Teamwork
Class 1-A’s bonds have been one of the emotional foundations of the series.
Responsibility
Heroes are shown not only as fighters but also as people who carry enormous burdens.
Self-Improvement
Many characters struggle with insecurities, failures, and personal growth throughout the story.
These universal themes have helped the series connect with audiences of all ages.
Looking Ahead: More 10th Anniversary Projects Planned
The anniversary video is only the beginning of the franchise’s year-long celebration.
The official My Hero Academia anime team has confirmed that additional projects, events, and announcements will be revealed throughout the 10th anniversary commemorative year.
While details remain under wraps, fans are speculating about:
- New anniversary illustrations
- Special exhibitions
- Live events
- Merchandise collections
- Soundtrack releases
- Behind-the-scenes documentaries
- Possible retrospective projects
More information is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Fan Reactions to the Anniversary Video
Shortly after its release, the anniversary movie quickly became a trending topic among anime fans.
Many viewers shared emotional reactions online, praising:
- The use of You Say Run
- Deku’s character development
- The nostalgic scene selection
- The high-quality animation
- The tribute to All Might’s influence
Fans described the video as a celebration of everything that made My Hero Academia special over the last decade.
For many longtime viewers, it served as a reminder of how much the characters—and the audience—have grown together since the anime first aired in 2016.
Final Thoughts
The release of “PLUS ULTRA MOVIE: You Can Become a Hero” marks a fitting start to My Hero Academia’s 10th-anniversary celebrations. By revisiting Deku’s incredible journey through the unforgettable music of You Say Run, the special video honors the heart and spirit that have made the franchise a global phenomenon.
As the anime enters a new era following the conclusion of its main story, the anniversary project serves as a powerful reminder of the message that has inspired fans for a decade:
Anyone can become a hero when they dare to move forward.
With more anniversary announcements on the horizon, Hero Day 2026 may be only the beginning of an exciting year for My Hero Academia fans around the world.
