Nogizaka46 26th Single

The much anticipated 2021 release is out now. Nogizaka46 come out with their 26th Single「僕は僕を好きになる」Boku wa boku o sukininaru. It was released on 27th January 2021.

No surprises, on the first day it sold 445,852 units and a further 100,000 in the following 3 days! That is a classic Nogizaka46 hit!

But some reports suggest that when compared to last year's release of 25th Single (around 800,000 units sold first day), sales are actually down by 50%. Here are some theories as to why is that.

1. Lack of Handshake / Idol Interaction (last year CD came with a ticket for fans).

2. Post Maiyan Effect. Shiraishi Mai's Graduation.

3. COVID-19 and it's after effects.

4. Promotional Activities scaled down.

It's kind of bittersweet single as this will be Hori Miona's last single with Nogizaka46. She should have had centered without a doubt, which would have been a fitting sendoff from the group. Alas, it was not to be. On the flip side, the 3rd Gen member who was way overdue finally got the nod - Yamashita Mizuki.

Senbatsu with Jyuuni Fukujin:

1st Gen: Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika, Saito Asuka, Hoshino Minami, Takayama Kazumi, Matsumura Sayuri

2nd Gen: Hori Miona, Shinuchi Mai

3rd Gen: Iwamoto Renka, Ozono Momoko, Umezawa Minami, Kubo Shiori, Yamashita Mizuki (Center), Yoda Yuki

4th Gen: Endo Sakura, Kaki Haruka, Tamara Mayu, Seimiya Rei, Tsutsui Ayane

Tracklist:

1. "Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru" (Senbatsu) - Title Song - 4 m 51 sec
2. "Ashita ga Aru Riyuu" (18 Members) 5 m 11 sec
3. "Wilderness world" (Senbatsu) 4 m 14 sec
4. "Kuchi Hodo ni mo Nai Kiss" (Under Members) 3 m 41 sec
5. "Tsumetai Mizu no Naka" (Hori Miona Graduation Song) 5 m 19 sec
6. "Out of the blue" (4th Gen Members) 4 m 32 sec
7. "Yuujou Pierce" (Ozono Momoko, Endo Sakura - duet) 3 m 33 sec

Impression after listening to the Single:

Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru - is a typical Nogizaka46 track like we have come to know.

Ashita ga Aru Riyuu - is my personal favourite. Very good and a joy to hear. Nogi Classic. Best track in the Single. 

Wilderness world - nope, it's weirdness world. Modern track with classic elements. Heavy Techno Pop beats. Bop infestation evident. Reminds me of Nigemizu.

Kuchi Hodo ni mo Nai Kiss - very groovy track by Under Members.

Tsumetai Mizu no Naka - Good lord, now they make Hori Miona sing a sorrowful Blues Ballard for her graduation song. She aces it perfectly!

Out of the blue - This is eccentric and hyped up pop beats song like I See... by 4th Gen Members. Pillow fight!

Yuujou Pierce - is a drag of a duet by 2 leading members of their respective generations. Synth Organ + Drum Beats. 

Music Videos:

■Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru - Senbatsu Members (3.5 Stars)

Senbatsu (選抜) (19 Members) (Yamashita Mizuki Center with Jyuuni Fukujin)

1st Generation: Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika, Saito Asuka, Takayama Kazumi, Hoshino Minami, Matsumura Sayuri

2nd Generation: Shinuchi Mai, Hori Miona

3rd Generation: Iwamoto Renka, Ozono Momoko, Umezawa Minami, Kubo Shiori, Yamashita Mizuki, Yoda Yuki

4th Generation: Endo Sakura, Kaki Haruka, Seimiya Rei, Tamura Mayu, Tsutsui Ayame

■"Wilderness world" - Main Members (3 Stars)

Senbatsu (選抜) (19 Members) (Saito Asuka Center)

1st Generation: Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika, Saito Asuka, Takayama Kazumi, Hoshino Minami, Matsumura Sayuri

2nd Generation: Shinuchi Mai, Hori Miona

3rd Generation: Iwamoto Renka, Ozono Momoko, Umezawa Minami, Kubo Shiori, Yamashita Mizuki, Yoda Yuki

4th Generation: Endo Sakura, Kaki Haruka, Seimiya Rei, Tamura Mayu, Tsutsui Ayame

■"口ほどにもないKISS" (Kiss not too much) - Under Members (4 Stars)

Under Members (アンダーメンバー) (14 Members) (Sakaguchi Tamami Center)

1st Generation: Higuchi Hina, Wada Maaya

2nd Generation: Ito Junna, Kitano Hinako, Suzuki Ayane, Terada Ranze, Yamazaki Rena, Watanabe Miria

3rd Generation: Ito Riria, Sakaguchi Tamami, Sato Kaede, Nakamura Reno, Mukai Hazuki, Yoshida Ayano Christie

■"Out of the Blue" - 4th Generation Members (3.5 Stars)

4th Generation (4期生) (16 Members) (Hayakawa Seira Center)

Endo Sakura, Kaki Haruka, Kakehashi Sayaka, Kanagawa Saya, Kitagawa Yuri, Kuromi Haruka, Sato Rika, Shibata Yuna, Seimiya Rei, Tamura Mayu, Tsutsui Ayame, Hayakawa Seira, Hayashi Runa, Matsuo Miyu, Yakubo Mio, Yumiki Nao

Single Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5

Not much expectations when compared to its predecessors. 

Another serial alternating Single flawwed by Aki-p.

Product Summary:

Label: Sony Music Entertainment Japan

■First-run limited edition（CD＋BD）Type-A

SRCL-11680～11681／￥1,727＋tax

■First-run limited edition（CD＋BD）Type-B

SRCL-11682～11683／￥1,727＋tax

■First-run limited edition（CD＋BD）Type-C

SRCL-11684～11685／￥1,727＋tax

■First-run limited edition（CD＋BD）Type-D

SRCL-11686～11687／￥1,727＋tax

■Normal Edition

SRCL-11688／￥1,000＋tax

Buy now from: http://www.nogizaka46.com/

PS: Thank you Hori Miona. Will miss you!