Michael Jackson makes "san kyu" visit to Japan

TOKYO, March 9 (Reuters Life!) - Pop star Michael Jackson's less wealthy fans got a chance to meet him at a "fan appreciation" event in Tokyo on Friday, a day after he posed for photos with those willing to pay 400,000 yen ($3,400) for the privilege.

Jackson was not expected to sing or dance at Friday's event, which cost a relatively modest 15,000 yen ($130) per head, but organizers said he would talk to all attendees. No cameras were to be allowed inside.

"I love his eyes, his nose and his dance," said 7-year-old Jun Sahs, waiting outside the Studio Coast venue.

The event was scheduled for March 9, because the date can be pronounced "san kyu," which sounds like "thank you" in Japanese, organizers said.

"I am simply happy that he's come to see us half-way around the globe and I will be able to breath the same air as he is," said Yoko Gomi, a 57-year-old housewife.

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.