マイケルは日本のファンに感銘を受けた

マイケルは、裁判で勝訴後初めて公の場に姿を現し、大勢のファンの観衆に感銘を受けた。世紀のレジェンド賞の授賞式に招待された彼は、リムジンから降りた後、ファンに向かってピースサインを見せた。

オレンジ色のサングラスと黒いコートを着た彼は、ステージに上がると一瞬冷静さを失った。

しかし少し後、47歳のスターはアルバムが1億枚以上売れた日本のファンに感謝の意を表した。

受賞を受け取りながら、彼は「日本に戻ってこられて特にうれしいし、今夜は日本の皆さんと一緒になれてとてもうれしいです。私は彼らを本当に愛しています。」と語った。

ジャクソン氏はこれまで、友人のエルトン・ジョンプロデュースの音楽番組を観るため英国に行くなど、何度かバーレーンを離れていたが、その中でも日本での存在感は最も大きかった。

Japanese fans said that rumors against him do not negatively affect their opinions. Hideki Endo, 43, who was standing outside the Harajuku neighborhood stadium holding an umbrella, said: “I believe Michael is innocent and he hasn’t done anything wrong. I want him to be freed from this pressure so he can perform music again.”

His 35-year-old friend, Hideki Ani, also said he bought a ticket to wait for Michael next to the red carpet. That ticket cost him 40,000 yen (about $350) after an internet auction.

Ani said: “Of course, we came here to see Michael more than any other artist. I only praise his music and his power in dancing. I don’t care at all what the media says about his trial or cosmetic procedures.”

Many fans had come to the event without tickets after hearing about his sudden appearance the day before. One of them, Takako Kataoka, 35, who wore Michael’s 1984 Thriller tour jacket, said: “Many fans who came here today—from old to young—found out about Michael’s arrival through each other and using the internet. Even if Michael’s age is a bit high for a world tour, I hope he will perform again, and also for charity.”

His planners say he will also appear in several other Asian countries and meet business leaders. He will also visit a number of welfare centers.