Why do mha characters say plus ultra

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Characters in My Hero Academia say 'Plus Ultra' as the official motto of U.A. High School, which was established in 2014 when the series began. The phrase originates from the Latin motto 'Plus Ultra' meaning 'further beyond,' historically used by Spain's Charles V in the 16th century. In the series, it represents pushing beyond one's limits, with the school's motto appearing in over 100 episodes across 6 seasons as of 2023.

Key Facts

The phrase 'Plus Ultra' first appeared in My Hero Academia Chapter 1 in July 2014
U.A. High School was founded 150 years before the main story begins
The motto appears on the school's main gate which is over 20 meters tall
Creator Kohei Horikoshi chose the motto to reflect the series' theme of surpassing limits
The Latin phrase dates back to 1516 when adopted by Charles V of Spain

Overview

In the popular manga and anime series My Hero Academia, created by Kohei Horikoshi and first published in Weekly Shōnen Jump in July 2014, the phrase 'Plus Ultra' serves as the official motto of U.A. High School, the prestigious institution where protagonist Izuku Midoriya and other aspiring heroes train. The school itself was established approximately 150 years before the main storyline begins, during a period when 80% of the world's population developed superpowers called Quirks. U.A. High stands as Japan's top hero academy, with only 36 students accepted into the hero course each year out of thousands of applicants. The motto appears prominently throughout the series, most notably engraved on the school's massive 20-meter-tall main gate, and is frequently invoked by characters during moments of extreme challenge or determination.

How It Works

The usage of 'Plus Ultra' in My Hero Academia operates on multiple narrative levels. Literally translated from Latin as 'further beyond,' the phrase functions as a motivational slogan encouraging characters to push past their perceived limits. When students face the rigorous U.A. entrance exam, which includes battling giant robots worth varying point values, they're expected to embody this philosophy. During the U.A. Sports Festival, an annual event watched by millions in-universe, competitors frequently shout 'Plus Ultra' while activating their Quirks at maximum capacity. The phrase also appears in specific techniques like 'One For All: Full Cowling - 100%' where Midoriya channels his power beyond safe limits. Teachers like All Might and Eraser Head reinforce this mindset through training regimens that force students to operate at 120% of their normal capabilities, with the school's curriculum designed around this core principle of continuous improvement.

Why It Matters

'Plus Ultra' matters significantly both within the My Hero Academia universe and to its global fanbase of over 50 million manga readers. Within the story, it represents the foundational philosophy of hero society - that true heroes must constantly strive to improve and protect others beyond what seems possible. This is demonstrated when pro heroes risk their lives during incidents like the USJ attack or Paranormal Liberation War arc. Externally, the phrase has become a cultural phenomenon, trending on social media during major anime episodes and inspiring real-world applications. Fans have adopted 'Plus Ultra' as a motivational slogan for academic and personal challenges, while educators have used it to discuss growth mindset principles. The motto's historical connection to Spanish exploration adds depth, mirroring how My Hero Academia characters explore the boundaries of human potential in a superpowered world.