Jackson Fans Shell Out $3,500 for Minutes with King of Pop

March 10, 2007 — -- It was a week to remember for Michael Jackson fans in Japan and also for the finances of the "gloved one." A few hundred devoted fans paid $3,500 per ticket to spend a few moments with the King of Pop.

On Thursday, many fans at the party that promoters called "The Premium V.I.P. Party with Michael Jackson" dressed up and had their hair done for what may be the photo opportunity of their life time.

"I wanted to look my best in front of Michael," said Junko Matsunobu, a 39-year old mother of two who dressed up in a pink kimono, a Japanese traditional garment. Matsunobu traveled about 180 miles from western Japan for the event.

Matsunobu wasn't the only one. Fans traveled from across Japan and even from other countries, including the United States, Norway and Greece.

Renee Thackhan, the President of Club Michael Jackson in Australia said she flew into Tokyo just to attend the event.

"$3,500 is not a ridiculous amount," said Thackhan, dressed in a bright red jacket. "You will get to see Michael up close. How much would you expect to pay for that kind of experience?"

The experience began with a red carpet welcome, followed by cocktails, a buffet and an opportunity to meet, shake hands and have a photo taken with one of the best-selling pop artists of all time. After the photo session, a few Jackson impersonators and a gospel chorus group performed.

Fans on a tighter budget paid $130 to attend a less intimate Fan Appreciation Day event on Friday. These fans also saw performances by Jackson impersonators and gospel singers, but they did not have any personal contact with the pop icon.

This is Jackson's second visit to Japan in the past year. In May, 2006, he received the Legend Award at MTV Japan's Video Music Awards. Jackson has been reclusive since his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005. He has been living outside of the United States in places such as Bahrain, France and Ireland.

When Jackson arrived in Tokyo on Sunday, where he was greeted by more than 500 screaming fans at the airport. Since then he has been spotted at one of Tokyo's biggest electronics stores and at Tokyo Disneyland. It is not clear how long Jackson will stay in Japan this time, but it has been rumored that he may entertain some offers for TV commercials and TV shows during his stay.