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"NTV" (Nippon TV) Interview

Date determined from the fact that Michael arrived in Tokyo on December 10, and this news report covering his December 12 visit to Tower Records in Tokyo includes a snippet from the interview. Fits with the interviewer saying “It is GOING to be your 5th visit in Japan” and “Japanese fans... longing for your ARRIVAL”

Michael Jackson “NTV” interview

NTV (Nippon TV): How did you feel about the Philippines’ enthusiastic welcome?

Michael Jackson: Oh, well I‘ve been in the business all my life and you would think I would be used to it, but there’s just that euphoric kind of rush, of love, you could feel their love, and you feel it more in different countries than others, and here (Japan) was just on a high level, which is great.

Michael Jackson: Um, it was a great expression. I mean the love like I said before, it’s amazing, from the fans all over the world. I don’t think I could ever get used to that, I really appreciate it and I love LOVE! It’s a great feeling, it really is. It’s like a high, it’s a natural high.

NTV: It’s been 3 months since the HIStory tour started. And we hear that you are touring many new countries. Of those new countries, which left you the biggest impression, and why is that?

MJ: Well, we put our hearts into performing, and every night I give my all on the stage. I don’t put one country over another, I mean everywhere is as important as the next place. Some shows I just don’t feel like going out because maybe my back hurts, or I haven’t slept the night before, but as soon as the lights hit you and you hear the roaring of a hundred thousand people, it’s magic, totally magic, and I never get used to that, and I’ve done it all my life.

NTV: Before the tour, you made the short film Ghosts. What made you want to make it? And how did your fans react?

MJ: Oh, the reaction has been wonderful, I mean it’s been exceptional, like overwhelming in Australia, where we premiered it. It first premiered in Los Angeles, but I didn’t get to go to that one, so I went to Australia and they loved it so much, I could hardly hear what was going on on the screen. It was really exciting, and it’s a great feeling because we worked very hard on it. It’s a short film with state of the art effects, and high level entertainment, and it’s just fun. It’s really fun.

NTV:  It’s going to be your 5th visit in Japan. Is there anything you are especially looking forward to doing during your stay?

MJ: I think the loyalty of the fans and the love there is very high too. I love the Japanese people, they’ve been great for thirty years. Very loyal and loving.

NTV:  Your first (solo) tour in Japan was the Bad tour in 1987. Do you find any changes in Japan?

MJ: In Japan? I always notice the technology. I’m always amazed by what you're coming up with next. It’s like there is a digital craze going on now – make it smaller and it becomes bigger, and clearer. And the children, I think, are so sweet, the little round faces of the babies. I love them.

NTV: When we listen to your music, your consistent messages are love and peace. But these days, the world situation doesn’t match your messages. What are the things you are concerned about the situation nowadays?

MJ: I try to be very positive in my songs when I write them, and look at the bright side of things, and I’m not totally happy with the situation in the world right now (looks right at the camera), but I always try to write songs with a positive message in it to convey hope for people, to make things better, and not look at the downside all the time, or promote something negative or bad. Even though I did an album called “BAD”, but I meant “bad” in a good way (laughs).

NTV: We hear you are welcoming a baby soon. With your new adventure, are there any things that you feel differently about?

MJ: I think it’ll be the most joyous occasion in my life, I think, and I hope it’s everything that people talk about, because it’s something I’ve always wanted. I would like to have 12 kids or more, I love kids, babies, and I think that’s what keeps me holding on and having faith in the world. That’s our only hope I think, that’s what inspires me the most.

NTV:  Do you think your music will be different / changed?

MJ: I would like it to, that would be great I mean, for the better.

NTV: At last, could you give some messages to the Japanese fans who have been longing for your arrival?

MJ: I look forward to the concert and I look forward to feeling that great rush of love. I just want the Japanese people to know that I love you very much, and I can’t wait to see you. (Smiles)

NTV: Thank you.

MJ: Thank you, thank you.

At 6:22 of this interview, an alarm keeps going off on someone’s watch and Michael finds it extremely funny, and is unable to suppress his laughter.