Jacko thrills troops on visit

Updated 18.25 Sat Mar 10 2007

Keywords: troops, tokyo, michael jackson

Michael Jackson has visited thousands of troops at a US Army base south of Tokyo.

About 3,000 servicemen and women and their relatives gathered in a gym at Camp Zama to see the King of Pop who walked around shaking hands and exchanging words to thank them for their service.

Japan remains one of Jackson's strongest support bases

He said to the crowd: "Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world ... it is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom."

He also attended a ceremony at the camp held for a member of the army being promoted and put a pin on his uniform.

Jackson, 48, arrived in Japan last Sunday for his second trip in less than a year, to attend parties including an extravagant gala in Tokyo last Thursday.

Japan remains one of Jackson's strongest support bases and fans have been out in force since his arrival.