Michael will make a visit to Camp Zama on Saturday. He will appear at Zama’s Yano Fitness Center and is expected to address fans, sign autographs, pose for photos and meet soldiers and their families.

“He just wants to let them know ‘America Supports You’ and so does he,” said Maj. Martha Brooks, a U.S. Army Japan spokeswoman.

The Yano Fitness Center will open Saturday at 1:15 p.m., Michael is scheduled to show up at 3 p.m.

Several activities are planned, including Michael Jackson trivia contests, an imitation dance showdown and karaoke/sing-along battle of the pop icon’s songs. Michael’s music videos also will be shown and two youth hip-hop dance performances will take place. Col. Robert Waltemeyer, the U.S. Army Garrison Japan commander, is to introduce Michael Jackson.

Jackson’s fan appreciation party initiated the visit, according to Maj. Jim Crawford, a U.S. Army Japan spokesman.

The event is open to all U.S. military and Defense Department personnel, Brooks said. Servicemembers in uniform with family members and guests have priority seating. Japanese master labor contract employees at Zama may escort two guests to the event. They’ll be granted walk-in access only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Gates 1 and 4.

Source: Stars & Stripes, MJFC-USA

By Eric Talmadge

Amid a lavish party filled with fans, impersonators, orphans and handicapped children, Michael Jackson said Thursday that he wouldn’t change the path of his career, despite “deliberate attempts to hurt me.”

The reclusive pop star, in Tokyo for several “fan appreciation events,” was the guest of honour at a party where about 400 people paid $3,500 each for a buffet dinner, a show featuring several Japanese Jackson impersonators and a chance to take photos with Jackson. More than 100 orphans and handicapped children were invited for free.

Wearing sunglasses and dressed in a black-and-gold Roberto Cavalli suit, Jackson appeared on the stage at the end of the six-hour party to read a brief thank you.

He did not perform. But in comments to The Associated Press, Jackson reflected on his career.

“I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was 6 years old,” he told AP. “As Charles Dickens says, `It’s been the best of times, the worst of times.’ But I would not change my career.”

Jackson, 48, appeared relaxed and comfortable back in front of his fans. He said he was not bitter over his succession of difficulties.

“While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me,” he said.

Those fans have been out in force since Jackson’s arrival in Tokyo on Sunday.

A screaming mob greeted him at the airport, and organisers said tickets to the two main events — Thursday’s VIP party and another, larger party directed at his main fan base on Friday — sold briskly. Jackson was also scheduled to tour a U.S. Army base just south of Tokyo on Saturday.

Jackson, one of the best-selling artists of all time, has lived abroad since his acquittal, forsaking his Neverland Ranch in California for Bahrain, France and a castle in Ireland.

But in a telephone conversation from Las Vegas with the Associated Press in January, he said he had returned to the United States and planned to stay there for the time being.

Even so, Japan continues to be his home away from home. This is Jackson’s second trip to Tokyo in less than a year.

“Japan is one of my favourite places to visit in the world,” Jackson told the crowd Thursday, reading from a statement. “I want to thank all of you for making me the biggest-selling artist in Japan.”

Some of the paying customers Thursday said the tickets were a bit too steep. “It is expensive,” said Yoko Iizuka, a copywriter who works in Tokyo. “But I’ve loved his music since I was a kid.”

Others were eager to fork over the 400,000 yen.

“You can’t put a price tag on this,” said Jenny Sasaki, who arrived in a fur coat and sequinned gown. “I love Michael Jackson, his music, his sensitivity and his humanity.”

Source: Associated Press

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame presents The Definitive 200, a list of 200 ranked albums, celebrating classic recordings by favorite iconic and contemporary artists. Michael Jackson’s legendary album ‘THRILLER’ reached #3 on the list and was only beaten by The Beatles’ ‘SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘DARK SIDE OF THE MOON’.

‘OFF THE WALL’ was placed on #80, ‘DANGEROUS’ on #115.

To view the complete 200 list Click Here.

Source: The Definitive 200

Michael Jackson is expected to make his comeback with a string of gigs across America estimated to earn him £250million.

His aides are in the final stages of negotiating a deal which will see him joined on stage by all the other members of the Jackson Five.

The group - which last regularly performed together 23 years ago - is lined up to play 250 concerts in Las Vegas over the three years from next year, when Jackson will be 50. Further concerts around the U.S. and the world are planned.

There are also wide-ranging plans to build a Michael Jackson theme park, casino, hotel and stadium in the Nevada city. The deal, which is also expected to earn millions in merchandising and product endorsements.

In recent weeks he and his brothers have been in negotiations with Jack Wishna, the producer responsible for taking Celine Dion to Caesar’s Palace.

Former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller - who brokered David Beckham’s record-breaking move to LA Galaxy - is also understood to be involved in the negotiation.

A source said: ‘There was initially some concern about Michael’s image, which has taken quite a battering with the child molestation allegations. There were also concerns over whether Michael would be keen on performing in front of a large audience after so long away from the stage.

‘After all, the last time he performed was at the World Music Awards in London - it was a very badly received performance.

‘So a plan was hatched to get the rest of the family tied into a deal first. They were offered a deal to reform - for a much smaller payday - and were told that if they got Michael on board, the figure would skyrocket.

‘That’s when the rest of the family got working on Michael - and it certainly seems to have worked.

‘Initially there will be a “best of” album, two new tracks will be recorded, there will be the stint in Las Vegas, then the U.S. and the world. They are already talking through product endorsements. The only reason no announcement has come yet is because Michael is a notoriously erratic individual.

‘He has been requesting all sorts of additions, like finding a secure high-walled home for himself and his children in the Nevada desert for the duration of the Vegas concerts.’

Another source added: ‘The deal being thrashed out is astronomical. There has been talk of a theme park, museum, casino, hotel and stadium for Michael - complete with Jackson memorabilia, videos, rare footage, casino, rides and concert halls.

‘One of the reasons Michael is so keen on the plans starting in Las Vegas is because his hero Elvis made the town his own’

Jackson’s attorney Brian Oxman confirmed negotiations were under way but described any figures as ‘totally preliminary’.

Source: Daily Mail

Promoters said tickets were still available for Michael Jackson’s two exclusive fan events in Tokyo this week, where well-heeled supporters will get a chance to mingle with the Gloved One.

Screaming fans greeted Jackson when he arrived Sunday for his second visit to Japan in recent years. But tickets for a VIP party and a fan art contest were still available Tuesday, perhaps a reflection of the high price demanded for a brush with fame.

Organizers declined to say how many tickets had been sold or how many were left.

The 48-year-old pop star created a stir with an after-hours shopping binge at one of Tokyo’s biggest electronics stores late Monday. The multistory Bic Camera in downtown Tokyo closed as usual at 10 p.m. and then gave Jackson the run of the place until shortly after midnight.

Hundreds of fans waited outside and crushed around the entrance as a relaxed-looking Jackson, in his trademark black jacket and a gold-sequinned shirt, was ushered from the store, waving to the crowd, and into an awaiting van.

Guests paying $3,500 to attend Thursday’s VIP party will get to mingle with Jackson and spend up to one minute of exclusive face time with him, according to organizers. Those on a tighter budget can pay $130 for Friday’s fan art contest, hosted by the singer.

Jackson isn’t obligated to perform at either event, and promoters refused to comment on how much he would be paid.

He made an appearance in Tokyo last year to accept an MTV Japan award.

Source: Associated Press

Smiling and waving to screaming fans, Michael Jackson arrived in Japan on Sunday for his second visit in recent years to host an exclusive party where admirers pay $3,500 to spend 30 seconds with the pop icon.

A relaxed-looking Jackson in trademark sun glasses and black leather jacket was ushered by guards past hundreds of screaming Japanese fans at Narita Airport on Sunday afternoon, some carrying signs that read “We love Michael” and “Welcome to Japan.”

At the VIP party, guests will get to mingle with Jackson, spending 30 seconds to one minute each of exclusive face time with him, according to organizers. It was unclear whether the star will perform any songs.

While in Tokyo, the star will also host a fan art contest for those who cannot afford VIP tickets, organizer Broderick Morris said in an e-mail.

“Over the years, as Michael Jackson has performed in cities around the world, he has been pleased, honored, and impressed by the large amount of fan art of him,” said Morris. “He would like to meet fan artists, and more fully appreciate and enjoy their creative expressions.”

Three winning artists chosen by Jackson will have brunch with the star and their picture taken together.

Jackson, one of the best-selling artists of all time, has lived abroad since his acquittal, forsaking his Neverland Ranch in California for residences in Bahrain, France, and a castle in Ireland.

Jackson’s VIP meet-and-greet party was scheduled for Thursday, with the fan art contest on Friday. It was not clear when Jackson would leave Japan.

Jackson, 48, is not obligated to perform at either event, and promoters refused to comment on how much he would be paid.

Source: Associated Press

The Michael Jackson Fan Art Contest

Over the years, as Michael Jackson has performed in cities around the world, he has been pleased, honoured, and impressed by the large amount of fan art of him that he sees in the crowds that follow him. Seldom does Mr. Jackson’s schedule allow as much time, as he would like to meet fan artists, and more fully appreciate and enjoy their creative expressions. And, so to say thank you to all the fans that pour their love and passion for Mr. Jackson into their creative art, Mr. Jackson is inviting fans attending the March 9th ‘Fan Appreciation Day’ event in Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the first Michael Jackson Fan Art Contest.

Entries of all kinds are accepted, including oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings, sculpture, collage, computer graphics, mixed media, printmaking, and high-quality photographs. All entries will be judged by Mr. Jackson based on, creativity, design, artistic and aesthetic merits.

Fans attending ‘Fan Appreciation Day’ should bring their artwork with them to the event that is being held at Shinkiba Studio-Coast, 2-2-10 Shinkiba, Koutou-Ku, Tokyo 136-0082, Japan. Please include your full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address with your submission.

The top three artists chosen by Mr. Jackson will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Jackson and have their picture taken with him, and be invited to a special brunch with him.

By participating in the contest, the winners agree to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation.

All art submitted becomes the property of The Michael Jackson Company. Through submission of artwork, contestants and their legal guardians grant the Michael Jackson Company non-exclusive reproduction and publication rights as well as other non-exclusive use as it sees fit of submitted art.

By entering, participants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless The Michael Jackson Company, including all officers, directors, employees, volunteers and sponsors from any and all liability, loss, damage or injury resulting from participation in Michael Jackson Fan Art Contest.

The artwork will be displayed on Mr. Jackson’s soon to be created website.

Source: Raymone K. Bain

Michael Jackson’s Arrival In Japan

Mr. Jackson would like to say hello to all of his fans.

He will be arriving in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, March 4, 2007, between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, Terminal 2, Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan.

Come out and Give Mr. Jackson a Big and Warm Welcome!

Source: Raymone K. Bain

MichaelJackson.hu conducted an exclusive interview with the most respectable lawyer in the music business. But John Branca is more then that. On a personal note: he is a kind person.

Do You consider Yourself as a Michael Jackson fan in any ways? Have You been impressed by his music and arts? When and how did You meet with him?

I’ve always been a Michael Jackson fan. I began working with Michael in January of 1980 just after the release of “Off The Wall”. I’m not sure there’s been anybody in the history of popular music who can combine Michael’s supreme talents as a singer, performer, songwriter and producer.

Have You ever been on a Michael Jackson concert?

I have been to many dozens of Michael Jackson concerts, perhaps as many as 100. While I was working with Michael, I often traveled with him. I was at the “Triumph” tour in 1980, the “Victory” tour in 1984, the “Bad” tour in 1988 and the European tour in 1993.

You were the one who helped Michael to create the most sucsessful music video ever. What do You feel when You see the “Thriller” video?

I was integrally involved in helping Michael do the “Thriller” video, not on a creative level but in putting the financial arrangements together that helped make it possible. Michael had a unique vision and was a real pioneer in music videos as an art form. I think “Thriller” to this day is the best music video, or as Michael would say, “short film” ever. It was simple and yet fantastic, complex and yet direct.

If you look back, what do You consider as the greatest thing in Your career?

Working with Michael not only on the “Thriller” album but in helping him acquire the Beatles catalog and the merger with Sony, as well as getting Michael the ownership of his masters, are among the accomplishments I am most proud of from my work with Michael. I also helped Michael make the two Pepsi deals which pioneered modern commercial tie-ins for artists.

As it’s been widely reported in the media, You are no longer working with Michael. How could this happen?

Although I am not currently working with Michael, I wish him well and would certainly help him in any way I could if he asked. I believe Michael has a lot of great music and performances in him.

What’s next for You? Where can we hear about you in the future?

I’ve been fortunate my practice is thriving. I’ve represented 29 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame thus far. I’m also representing a number of very important current artists in the industry. But I always felt I had a very special connection with Michael and I look forward to seeing him again soon.
In some ways I look upon him as a brother.

Visit Mr. Branca’s Official Site

Source: MichaelJackson.hu