Michael Jackson partecipa alla festa di ringraziamento e visiterà Camp Zama

Michael Jackson was the guest honor at a party with about 400 people that paid $3,500 each for a buffet dinner. The show included Japanese Jackson impersonators and a chance to take pictures with Jackson. More than 100 orphans and handicapped children were invited for free. Michael did not perform, but appeared relaxed and comfortable being with his fans. 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. "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." "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. 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." "You can't put a price tag on this," said Jenny Sasaki, who arrived in a fur coat and sequined gown. "I love Michael Jackson, his music, his sensitivity and his humanity." On Saturday Michael Jackson will appear at Camp Zama’s Yano Fitness Center. He’s 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., she said. Jackson 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. Jackson 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 Jackson. Jackson’s 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: AP/eMJey