Ex-gravia idol, Yabuki Haruna used to be called "sold-out queen", because all the magazines she appeared in would sell out right away. �Haruna paused her activities in 2009 however, and went to L.A to study English.

In May, Haruna changed her name to "Abe Mari", to make a fresh start as an action actress.

Yukan Fuji interviewed Abe Mari, where she talked about her days as Yabuki Haruna.

Mari said, "I always felt the limit of my ability as a gravia idol and actress. �I also had a dream to go to America and study English since I was little, but it was difficult for me due to my economic situation at the time. �But now that the opportunity was available, that is why I paused activities."

She also said that she was encouraged by Sanada Hiroyuki in L.A, and decided to go to action school.

Mari says that she aims to be in Hollywood films, and will participate in auditions actively.



Source: Yukan Fuji