Michael Jackson was a huge sensation the world over, but he was especially famous in Japan. As the one-year anniversary of his death approaches on June 25, folks in Japan have come up with an interesting way of marking the event: Japanese devotees may get the opportunity to sleep next to many of Jackson's prized possessions.
The first sleepover event will be sponsored by promotors of the Neverland Collection, which is housed at the landmark Tokyo Tower, the world's only official Michael Jackson exhibition. "The idea may sound a bit odd to Western cultures, but in Japan, the tradition of being with the remains and possessions of passed loved ones on the anniversary of their passing is an important ritual," Hiroyuki Takamura of the Tokyo Tower told the New York Times.
Since the exhibit opened on May 1, nearly half a million Michael Jackson aficionados have flocked to see the collection of items, which includes clothing and costumes from his 'Thriller' video, a 1967 Rolls Royce Phantom, and an antique piano. Exhibition officials say there are fans who have not yet come to grips with Jackson's death and who visit on a daily basis, often staying as long as six hours or more.
Fans started lining up Sunday to purchase tickets, which can cost as much as $1,000 a pop. Those who get to take part in the sleepover will be selected at random. The sleepover will begin on June 25 at 10:30 p.m. and last until 8 a.m. the following day.
Check out how Japanese fans mourned Michael Jackson after his death:
12-May-10 - Rap megastar Lil Wayne, who is currently serving time at Riker's Island due to a 2007 gun charge, was snitched on by a fellow inmate for concealing "unauthorized music contraband."
12-May-10 - The Kellogg Foundation is awarding $75 million over five years to undo the effects of racism on children in poor communities, I cheered the efforts of the Michigan-based nonprofit.
11-May-10 - Sgt. Robert Ralston, a Philadelphia police sergeant, said he was shot last month by an unidentified black man in the city's Overbrook section actually fabricated the entire story and shot himself.
05-May-10 - The Smithtown Messenger in Long Island depicts President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as characters from "Sanford and Son, and the public backlash has led the paper to announce that it will issue a retraction in its next edition.
04-May-10 - Joe Jackson is seeing red these days now that Michael Jackson's confidante and physician has come out publicly about the King of Pop's alleged sexual preferences.
03-May-10 - Nushawn Williams, the drug-abusing, sex-obsessed New York man gave the gift of HIV to his victims. Now, after serving 12 years for his despicable crime, New York authorities have a problem. What are they to do with Williams, 33, upon his release, since he has shown little remorse for his crime, demonstrated violent behavior and just might try to infect more women? The answer is to simply keep Williams in jail.
This is so sick as it can be, creepy and scary!! Sleeping besides his belongings on his DAY OF DEATH!! IT'S MAKE ME SICK TO THINK ABOUT!! SHAME ON YOU JAPANESE PEOPLE, THIS IS REALLY TO DISHONOR MICHAEL!!
In regards to the so called teacher...I went to Catholic school in the days when corporal punishment was a given. This person made the nuns look very good. Her position was meant to terrorize..he was on the floor and being beaten like he was an equal. What did he do? He did a stupid and childish thing..because he is a child. What's her excuse? If she goes to jail, I hope she has the same kind of teacher that she is.
I am an american and I haven't come to terms with MJ's lose either. As the anniversary of his death approach I get more and more depressed but I would never consider sleeping among his personal possesions even given the opportunity. That would just appear to be bizarre to say the least. I miss you MJ, Rest in Peace
Hey if that's how they want to do to mourn The King of Pop, then that's them, not you. Stop the madness people, that's what they want to do. They love him too, not just Americans love him, he was loved by the world so get over yourselves. Before you judge these people look at yourselves.
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Comments: (6)
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By: LisbethSensitive on 5/24/2010 5:38PM
This is so sick as it can be, creepy and scary!!
Sleeping besides his belongings on his DAY OF DEATH!! IT'S MAKE ME SICK TO THINK ABOUT!!
SHAME ON YOU JAPANESE PEOPLE, THIS IS REALLY TO DISHONOR MICHAEL!!
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By: Pat Davis on 5/25/2010 12:42PM
In regards to the so called teacher...I went to
Catholic school in the days when corporal punishment was a given. This person made the
nuns look very good. Her position was meant
to terrorize..he was on the floor and being
beaten like he was an equal. What did he do?
He did a stupid and childish thing..because he
is a child. What's her excuse? If she goes to
jail, I hope she has the same kind of teacher
that she is.
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By: cooleaze on 5/25/2010 3:39PM
I am an american and I haven't come to terms with MJ's lose either. As the anniversary of his death approach I get more and more depressed but I would never consider sleeping among his personal possesions even given the opportunity. That would just appear to be bizarre to say the least. I miss you MJ, Rest in Peace
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By: LisbethSensitive on 5/27/2010 4:40AM
JUST THANKS!! It's how I feel exactly.
Lisbeth, Sweden
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By: Real on 5/26/2010 4:11AM
Hey if that's how they want to do to mourn The King of Pop, then that's them, not you. Stop the madness people, that's what they want to do. They love him too, not just Americans love him, he was loved by the world so get over yourselves. Before you judge these people look at yourselves.
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By: MJacksonsGirl on 6/17/2010 2:16PM
In Michaels words; "Before you judge me, try hard to L.O.V.E me."
God Bless you for trying to help others understand Michael's message through your own beliefs.
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