My Hero Academia's Legendary Composer Yuki Hayashi Explains: Why Does "You Say Run" Go With Everything?
For My Hero Academia fans, the series' soundtrack holds a place just as important as the characters' development. Especially "You Say Run," which has echoed in every epic moment since the first season, has become a legend not only in the anime world but also in internet culture. In a recent interview, the series' famous composer Yuki Hayashi shared the technical secrets behind why this piece "goes with everything." According to Hayashi, the reason the piece is so versatile is not a coincidence; it is based entirely on a conscious musical structure.
Hayashi attributes the success of the piece to three main elements: a quiet intro, rhythmic drums, and a catchy main melody (riff). The composer stated, "The quiet intro, the drums, and that unforgettable riff... Having just these three elements probably makes it very easy for the piece to fit into any video." Noting that he is aware of the "You Say Run goes with everything" trend on the internet, Hayashi expressed that he is surprised and honored that the piece fits even with unexpected scenes like Winnie the Pooh.
This explanation carries special meaning for fans as we approach the series' 10th-anniversary celebrations and its finale. The My Hero Academia anime is preparing to bid farewell to screens with a special final episode titled "More," which will air on May 2, 2026, and is based on chapter 431 (the epilogue) of the manga. While Hayashi's music has crowned the "Plus Ultra" moments of Izuku Midoriya and his friends for 10 years, this legacy will meet listeners live as part of the "My Hero Academia in Concert" world tour, which will begin in Yokohama on May 30, 2026.
A self-taught musician with a background as a former rhythmic gymnast, Yuki Hayashi reflects his athletic identity in his compositions. Having also created the soundtracks for other popular series such as Haikyu!! and Blue Lock, the artist has proven his mastery in capturing the harmony between movement and sound with "You Say Run." Even though the series is ending, these motivation-filled melodies created by Hayashi seem destined to continue echoing in both gyms and epic anime edits.
