Jackson choked up over 'loyalty' of Japanese fans

Michael Jackson was overcome with emotion as he thanked Japanese fans for their loyalty at an award ceremony on Saturday.

It was his first public appearance since being acquitted on child molestation charges.

"I'm honoured to be in Japan again and I'm very happy to be among the Japanese people because I love them very much," Jackson said, according to the Associated Press.

"Thank you for your loyalty," he said, his voice breaking.

Jackson, wearing a tuxedo with a short jacket, made a brief appearance at MTV Japan's Legend Award ceremony at Yoyogi Olympic Stadium.

Hethen went on to tour orphanages in Tokyo.

"I'd like to say to the Japanese people from the bottom of my heart, I love you very much," he said, as fans screamed "I love you."

"I love you more," Jackson said in response, flashing a victory sign to the crowd.

Jackson, 47, arrived Friday night with his three children on a trip that had been announced just days earlier.

He also plans stops in Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Jackson has been living in the Middle Eastern kingdom of Bahrain since being acquitted of child molestation in California in June.

The pop star,who is believed to have sufferedsince the court case,has said he plans to return to recording and hopes to release a new album in 2007.