MJ Sleepover

Exactly a year after Michael Jackson’s death, a group of Japanese fans will have the opportunity to spend a night with his possessions.

This novel but unusual event will take place at one of Tokyo’s biggest tourist attractions, Tokyo Tower, June 25.

Since May 1, Tokyo Tower has hosted an exhibition of Jackson memorabilia called the Neverland Collection, and so far more than 300,000 people have paid to see it.

The producer of the exhibition, Matt Taylor, says that some people stay in the exhibit for more than six hours at a time. It is supposedly the only officially sanctioned exhibition of Jackson collectibles in the world.

The concept of a sleepover with the King of Pop’s wardrobe, various awards, videos and portions of stage sets seems to have been especially concocted with his Japanese fans in mind.

“The idea may sound a bit odd to Western cultures, but in Japan the tradition of being with the remains and possessions of passed loved ones on the anniversary of their passing is an important ritual,” Tokyo Tower’s Hiroyuki Takamura told reporters.

Starting May 23, fans could line up at the exhibition for a chance to spend the night of June 25 in the exhibit. Winners will be chosen at random and the charge will be 1,000 yen ($10.50). Those chosen will enter the venue at 10:30 p.m. June 25. They will be allowed to stay until 8:00 the next morning and can sleep on the floor.

One woman who told Reuters she planned to be on line May 23 said she had already visited the exhibit eight times.
“Each time I feel more connected to Michael’s legacy.”