Michael Jackson heads to Tokyo to appear on MTV Japan

Michael Jackson will be in Tokyo in the coming days, where the troubled pop star will make his first official public appearances since he was acquitted last year of child molestation charges.

Jackson is scheduled to receive MTV Japan's "Legend Award" during Saturday's (5/27) MTV Japan Video Music Awards ceremony, according to a press release.

While in Japan, Jackson will also "visit orphanages, tour the city of Tokyo, and meet with members of the Asian business community," the press release said, adding that Jackson is planning a series of additional Asian visits.

"We are delighted that Mr. Jackson has accepted our invitation to visit Tokyo," said a statement issued by Broderick D. Morris, CEO of Positive Productions Yokohama, who spearheaded the trip. "Michael Jackson is a legend. What he has accomplished as a world renowned artist is unequaled. He loves Japan, and we love him. We look forward to welcoming him."

Said Jackson, in a statement: "I look forward to my visit to Japan because I have so many fond memories of my visits there. I thank MTV Japan for this honor, and Mr. Morris for spearheading this visit. I look forward to seeing old friends, and saying hello to my huge fan base in Japan, who, like my other fans around the world, have for so many years consistently shown their love and support to me and my family."