- Title: JAPAN: Michael Jackson heads to Camp Zama to meet U.S. military men in Japan
- Date: 16th March 2007
- Summary: SOUNDBITE (Japanese) FEMALE FAN SAYING: "Saw him well, didn't we!"
- Embargoed: 31st March 2007 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Japan
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA43V47V293SQSTMXRVRAUDAR5W
- Story Text: Michael Jackson arrived on Saturday (March 10) at the Hardy Barracks in Tokyo and was taken to Camp Zama by military helicopter, some 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. At the gym of the US base, Jackson greeted thousands of soldiers and their families. He talked to fans, signed autographs and posed for photos.
Earlier, some fans waited for him inthe hope they would catch a glimpse of the popstar.
Jackson arrived in Japan earlier last week for a series of events dubbed 'Fan Appreciation days' where his fans got a chance to meet him at two events in Tokyo on Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday (March 8), Jackson posed for photos with those willing to pay 400,000 yen ($3,400) for the privilege, including a full meal with champagne.
On Friday (March 9) fans did not get the chance to pose with Jackson or eat a meal together but paid a relatively modest 15,000 yen ($130) per head in the event where Jackson talked to all attendees.
Jackson did not sing or dance at either event.
Since being acquitted of child molestation charges at a trial that ended in June 2005, Jackson has mostly kept a low profile, spending time in Bahrain and Ireland.
He last visited Japan, where he has a huge fan base, in May to accept a music award. Since arriving at the weekend, he has been mobbed by fans during a shopping trip and a visit to Disneyland.
In November, Jackson sang at an awards ceremony in London, his first public performance since the trial, but his efforts were panned by critics. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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