BEIJING, May 29 -- U.S. pop star Michael Jackson appeared in public in Tokyo on Saturday for the first time since his acquittal on sex-abuse charges last year, accepting a music award and thanking "all the people who believed in me."

    Introduced to an adoring crowd at a Tokyo stadium as "the king of pop, the king of rock and the king of soul," Jackson flashed a quick "peace" sign as he walked onstage to the sound of one of his biggest hits, "Thriller."

    "I'm honored to be in Japan again and I¡¯m very happy to be among the Japanese people because I love them very much,¡± Jackson said in a brief appearance at MTV Japan's "Legend Award" ceremony at Yoyogi Olympic Stadium. "Thank you for your loyalty."

    Jackson also plans to visit Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong, spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said Thursday.

    Bain said the star plans to visit orphanages, tour the city of Tokyo, and meet with members of the Asian business community during his trip.

    Jackson has been living in Bahrain since his acquittal on child molestation charges in Santa Maria, California.

    The Asian tour is being organized by Broderick D. Morris, chief executive of Positive Productions Yokohama, an entertainment promotions company, Bain said.

    Bain said that Jackson plans to return to recording and hopes to release a new album in 2007. Meanwhile, she said work continues on the song he has planned as a charity fund-raiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina.