Michael Jackson fans in Japan have had a rare opportunity to see some of the King of Pop’s most iconic costumes and memorabilia, as Julien’s Auctions brought a special exhibition to Osaka ahead of its upcoming December auctions.
The exhibition, titled “Hankyu & Julien’s Presents Michael Jackson & Princess Diana Auction Exhibition,” is taking place at Hankyu Umeda Main Store in Osaka from October 9 to 12, 2026. Around 50 selected items connected to Michael Jackson and Princess Diana were presented ahead of the major sales planned for Abu Dhabi in December.
One of the most spectacular highlights was a light-up jacket worn by Michael during the BAD Tour in 1988. Featuring a striking red-and-black design and numerous built-in lights, the garment reportedly illuminated again for the first time in 38 years. Michael Bush, who worked on Michael’s costumes for more than two decades alongside Dennis Tompkins, was present to discuss the remarkable piece and its history.
The jacket demonstrates the extraordinary attention Michael paid to his stage appearances. His costumes were never simply clothes; they were an integral part of the performance, designed to make an impact even in the largest stadiums. The elaborate lighting effects created an additional visual spectacle for audiences during the BAD Tour.
The Osaka exhibition also offered visitors a preview of several important pieces from Michael’s career that Julien’s Auctions plans to put up for sale in Abu Dhabi this December. Among the most significant are the original red-and-black leather jacket worn in the 1983 “Thriller” music video, the rhinestone glove Michael wore during his legendary Motown 25 performance, and the loafers associated with his first televised moonwalk during “Billie Jean.”
The original “Thriller” jacket is particularly important in music and fashion history. Designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, it became one of the most recognisable garments in popular culture. The glove, meanwhile, is one of the most celebrated pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia, having previously sold at Julien’s Auctions in 2009 for $420,000 according to some reports, with the auction house recording a sale price of $420,000 before the buyer’s premium. Julien’s now estimates the glove at $600,000 to $800,000.
The December sales will form part of Julien’s inaugural Celebrity & Pop Culture Experience in Abu Dhabi, bringing together memorabilia associated with major figures in music, entertainment and fashion. The Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Evening Auction is scheduled for December 7, with a further day auction on December 8.
Following the Osaka exhibition, selected highlights are expected to travel to other locations, including Los Angeles, New York, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, before the auctions take place at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi.
For fans, these exhibitions offer a valuable chance to appreciate the artistry and history behind the clothes Michael wore on stage and on screen. Whether it is the instantly recognisable “Thriller” jacket or the technically elaborate costumes created for the BAD Tour, each piece reflects the imagination and ambition that helped make Michael Jackson one of the most influential performers of all time.
More information about the upcoming auction and its lots is available through Julien’s Auctions.
