The single was released in five versions: Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, Type-D, and a regular edition. All versions except for the regular edition also includes a Blu-ray Disc containing music videos and bonus videos.
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Nao Kosaka was appointed as center (lead performer) of the title track for the fifth time after the fourth single "Sonna Koto Nai yo" in 2020.[4] During production, she had just recently returned from health leave and did not participate in the more intense dance scenes in the music video for "Koishita Sakana wa Sora o Tobu".[5]
The single is the last one featuring Miho Watanabe, who would leave the group after promotions have concluded. She served as center for the second generation members' B-side song "Koishita Sakana wa Sora wo Tobu",[a][2] and the music video for "Hikōkigumo ga Dekiru Riyū"[b] is about the closing of a dormitory named "Hidamari", a reference to her 2019 photobook of the same title.[6] "Mayonaka no Zange Taikai"[c] by the first generation members features the first appearance of member Sarina Ushio as lead performer.[7] "Mō Konna ni Suki ni Narenai"[d] was performed by the three Hinatazaka46 members born in 2002 (Hiyori Hamagishi, Nao Kosaka, and Miku Kanemura) and was first revealed at the group's second anniversary concert in March 2021, a year before this single was released.[8] "Shiranai Uchi ni Aisareteita"[e] was performed by all members.
Reception
"Boku Nanka" sold 478,000 copies in its release week according to Billboard Japan[9] and placed first in both the weekly Oricon Singles[10] and Billboard Japan Hot 100 charts.[9]
Real Sound commented that the rock ballad sound of "Boku Nanka" reflects the growth of the group, especially after experiencing different lead performers in the previous two singles, while the melody represents Kosaka's "ephemeral, fragile radiance" as she returned from her hiatus.[11] "Koishita Sakana wa Sora wo Tobu" was also said to fit Watanabe, who enjoys both rock music and defying conventions, and is reminiscent of the group's origins as the subgroup of Keyakizaka46, who were known for their "cool" songs; on the other hand, "Hikōkigumo ga Dekiru Riyū" with its retro-style music video represents "nostalgia" and the happy memories created by Watanabe and the other members over the years.[2][6] "Gaufre to Kimi"[f] by the third generation members, with its absence of an obvious lead performer, was said to emphasize the four youngest members' friendship and distinct personalities.[12]
