ファン感謝祭に出席したマイケル

3月9日金曜日、前夜の比較的高価なディナーパーティーのチケットを購入できなかったそれほど裕福ではないファンのグループが、ついにマイケルに会う機会を得た。この祝典のチケット価格は130ドルで、1,000人近いファンが参加した。

キャンプ座間にある体育館への撮影カメラの立ち入りが禁止された。

入り口で列に並んで待っていた7歳のファン、ジュン・サーズさんはマイケルについて、「彼の目、鼻、そしてダンスが大好きです」と語った。

3月9日は日本のファン感謝デーです。だからこそ、マイケルはファンに感謝するためにこの日を選んだのです。

Yoko Gomi, a 52-year-old housewife, said: “I’m happy that he came here from the other side of the world to see us, and I can breathe the same air that he breathes.”

During his stay in Japan, Michael visited a store and also went to Disneyland, and on both visits, large crowds of his fans accompanied him.

Michael also met thousands of American soldiers and their families at Camp Zama, located south of Tokyo.

This meeting felt like a break, after days spent among the crowds of fans and many meetings with Japanese billionaire businessmen, finally bringing Michael to them.

Nearly 3,000 American soldiers and their families had gathered in the hall. Michael walked through them, shook hands with them, and thanked them for their services.

In his brief speech, Michael said:

“You who are here are among the most special people in the world. Because of your presence and those who fearlessly gave their lives to protect us, we can now enjoy our freedom.”

Michael also attended a ceremony held at Camp to promote the rank of one of the army soldiers, and he awarded him his rank.

Colonel Robert M. Waltimer, commander of the Camp Zama base, presented Michael with a certificate of appreciation for his visit to the American military stationed in Japan.

Camp Zama is the headquarters of American troops in Japan.

Source: eMJey / Reuters / AP / Yahoo News