Jackson fans to get peek at memorabilia in Japan exhibit

Nearly 300 items of Michael Jackson memorabilia - from the huge Neverland sign that once marked the entrance to his California ranch to a 1967 Rolls Royce - are set to go on display in Japan later this month, nearly a year after the singer's death.

Mr Jackson's death last June from cardiac arrest at the age of 50 shocked fans around the world and sparked a new wave of interest in his music, while a documentary film featuring the singer, This Is It, became a blockbuster cinema hit.

The "King of Pop" was almost as well-known for his compulsive collecting as his songs.

Now fans in Asia will have a chance to see a selection of Jackson's possessions, including costumes, props and some of his signature crystal-encrusted gloves, exhibit organisers Juliana's Urban Development Group told Reuters this week.

The collection, which was previously shown in London, is to be exhibited at Tokyo Tower from April 29 for about eight weeks.