Japanese beauty Haruka Ayase held everyone in the media spellbound when she was here recently to promote Japanese skincare brand SKII.

 Although the voluptuous actress did not show a hint of cleavage in her cream-coloured draped dress, she still shone effortlessly with her glowing complexion and delicate features.

 The 26-year-old beauty made her showbiz debut in 2000 as a gravure idol and is often photographed in bikinis and other skimpy outfits. But she has since established herself as a well-recognised actress with a string of accolades under her belt, including the Best Actress title at Japan's Television Drama Academy Awards.

 When asked if she will play up her sex appeal in her future works upon a director's request, Haruka said: "I have shot a mineral water commercial in bikini before. I guess if the character that I'm playing and the theme of the drama or movie call for it, I don't mind being sexy."

The doe-eyed actress is rumoured to be dating Takao Osawa, her co-star in the 2008 movie Ichi and the 2009 drama Jin. But all she could say about the veteran actor was, "He had my respect as a co-actor."

As for Takuya Kimura, her co-star in the 2009 drama Mr Brain, Haruka said he was very strict and responsible on set, and she has learnt a lot from his professionalism.

 The new SKII ambassador also revealed what she adds in her bathtub to keep her porcelain skin in its best condition.

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