generasia:Featured article for 2009 week 36

Abe Mao (阿部真央) is a Japanese pop singer, who is signed to the Pony Canyon record label. Abe begun to play piano when she was in elementary school 3rd grade. After high school she switched it to guitar, and started play in different locals. In 2nd grade high school summer she participated in YAMAHA TEEN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006 and won. The same year she participated in the national convention and was awarded an encouragement prize. In 2008, after graduation, she moved to Tokyo, and made her debut under Pony Canyon with the album "Free" in January 2009.