MICHAEL JACKSON made his first professional appearance yesterday (27MAY06) since his acquittal on child molestation charges.
The 47-year-old thanked fans and "all the people who believed in me" after collecting an honorary Legend Award at MTV's Japan Music Video Awards in Tokyo.
Jackson has avoided the limelight since his trial ended last June (05) and has spent much of his time living in the Middle Eastern country Bahrain with his family.
Jackson said yesterday, "I'd like say to the Japanese people from the bottom of my heart, I love you very, very much.
"I thank the fans around the world and I thank the fans in Japan. "I think you are very sweet, generous and kind people. I thank all the people who believed in me. I believe in you.
"I love you and thank you for your loyalty".