"Gingham Check" is the 27th major single by the Japanese idol girl group AKB48. The members were chosen from their placements in the AKB48's 2012 general election. The single was released in Japan on August 29, 2012. It includes the graduation song for long-time headlining member Atsuko Maeda.
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AKB48 is a Japanese idol musical girl group named after the Akihabara area in Tokyo, where the group's theater is located. AKB48 has sold more records than any other female musical act in Japanese history. AKB48's producer, Yasushi Akimoto, wanted to form a girl group with its own theater and performing daily so fans could always see them live. This "idols you can meet" concept includes teams which can rotate performances and perform simultaneously at several events and "handshake" events, where fans can meet group members. Akimoto has expanded the AKB48 concept to several girl groups within Japan, and internationally in Mainland China, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Philippines.
AKB48 performing at the Nokia Theater (now Peacock Theater) in Los Angeles, California in July 2010
AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, Tokyo
AKB48 preparing for its debut on March 26, 2006
AKB48 live at Japan Expo 2009 (Paris)