Tickets still available for Jackson fan events

Asian admirers pay $3,500 to spend 30 seconds with singer

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Jacko-mania!
March 8: Michael Jackson is greeted warmly by screaming fans during his visit to Japan.

NBC News Web Extra

updated 9:24 p.m. ET March 8, 2007

TOKYO - 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.

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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-sequined shirt, was ushered from the store, waving to the crowd, and into an awaiting van.

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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.

The events are seen as putting the spotlight back on Jackson in one of his traditional strongholds following his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005.

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