I've always given much props to Japan for always showing love and respect to Michael Jackson.

When my friend Yousuke told me that there was a Michael Jackson specialty store called I LOVE MJ Shop in Odaiba, I couldn't wait to check it out together!

I LOVE MJ is a shop tucked away in a mall, just steps away from the train station. Visiting this store is a MUST for anyone who is fascinated by Michael Jackson and visiting the Tokyo area. The store is quaint but, a hardcore fan could easily spend hours in here (like we did).

Before I continue, I must say: One of the things that makes me happiest about being a Michael Jackson fan are how often I met amazing people in the community. I never blogged about this but, I met Yousuke and his friends this summer in front of the Apollo Theatre in New York. We all totally hit it off and talked about when we became fans and how much we love Michael. Anyway, I never imagined I would be able to reconnect with the new friends I made in Tokyo, just months after meeting. I am very thankful for my MJ friends all over the world and SUPER grateful for the rare treat of being able to explore the merchandise and ask questions about things I'd never seen before. 

Signed memorabilia, tour passes, posters, and original film prints. T-shirts. Vinyl albums. Books. Calendars... and the list goes on. They had Destiny and Triumph tour DVDs and even a compilation disc of Michael Jackson Pepsi commercials! . Unfortunately, I was too nervous to get DVDs because I wasn't sure if I would be able to watch a DVD from Japan back in New York. (Anyone know and able to help me out with that?) I LOVE MJ is not only a great place to pick up some rare DVDs, there are also novelty goods with Michael Jackson's face and name noted on them.

I walked away doing less than $100 USD of damage with just a t shirt and a really cute pencil case/makeup bag.

Yousuke and I spent two hours at the shop. We were pressed for time during this visit because I was on a business trip. Since our schedules were both open on the day I arrived, this was my first stop after the airport (excuse the lack of makeup and the leggings, I travel in comfort- haha!) One of the store workers was kind enough to take photos of us in the Thriller and Beat It jackets (pictured at the top). So very cool!

I will be returning to Japan soon and heading back to the I LOVE MJ shop again.

PS. The shop owner featured our visit in a blog post- I was so surprised -- scroll to the bottom of the page to check it out :)

UPDATE: 4/2019 - The shop has moved and considerably downsized. New address is here: Higashi-Kyoto, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 3-1-3 World Import Building 1 F Sunshine City Alta in (next to kinnikuman shop)