Jackson to show at pricey Tokyo event, but won't sing

Michael Jackson is set to appear at a Tokyo Christmas event next month and organizers are charging a staggering $3,400 for tickets even though he won't sing.

According to an Internet advertisement, the December 19 "Premium Christmas Party" for 1,600 fans will include dancers, bands and gospel singers.

But Jackson himself will not perform and will watch the show from a special VIP area, the advertisement said. He will also make some brief remarks.

For 400,000 yen ($3,428), 200 "platinum" ticket holders will be allowed to take part in a "meet and greet" event with Jackson. Those who fork out 200,000 yen will get free food and drinks and a signed photo.

Organizers were not immediately available for comment.

Last week, Jackson sang at an awards ceremony in London, his first public performance since his child molestation trial ended last year.

But to the fury of the world's media, which had been expecting to hear his mega-hit "Thriller," Jackson sang a chorus line of his charity single "We are the World" with a choir of children. British newspapers billed the performance a flop.

Jackson last visited Japan in May, when he accepted a music award and visited a children's home.

Since being acquitted of child molestation charges at a trial that ended in June 2005, he has lived the life of a recluse, dividing his time between Bahrain and Ireland, but still generates hysteria among loyal fans wherever he goes.