TOKYO (AP) — A relaxed-looking Michael Jackson smiled and waved at screaming fans as he arrived in Japan yesterday for his second visit in recent years to host an exclusive party and sponsor a fan art competition.Jackson made his first official foray back into the spotlight after his acquittal on child molestation charges in June 2005 with an appearance in Tokyo to accept an MTV Japan award last year.

Jackson, in trademark sun glasses and black leather jacket, was ushered by guards past hundreds of screaming Japanese fans at Narita Airport yesterday afternoon, some carrying signs that read “We love Michael” and “Welcome to Japan.”

At the VIP party, guests paying $3,500 will get to mingle with Jackson and spend 30 seconds to one minute each of exclusive face time with the Gloved One, according to organisers. It was unclear whether the star will perform any songs.

While in Tokyo, the star will also host a fan art contest for Japanese who cannot afford VIP tickets, organisers Davis, Bain and Associates said in an e-mail.

Jackson, 48, one of the best-selling artists of all time, has lived abroad since his acquittal, forsaking his Neverland Ranch in California for residences in Bahrain, France, and a castle in Ireland.