Michael Jackson fever has Tokyo in a...

Michael Jackson fever has Tokyo in a froth in the days before the superstar singer arrives--pet chimpanzee in tow--for nine concerts, his first in three years. Japanese scalpers are asking as much as $850 for $45 tickets to the shows, which begin Saturday. The reclusive pop star has forbidden Japanese promoters from divulging most details about his visit.

Meanwhile, hot-and-bothered Jackson fans stateside can find solace in cuddling Michael’s Pets, a new stuffed-toy line from Ideal that was created to mirror the singer’s menagerie. Available in toy stores later this month, Michael’s Pets include a chimp, a giraffe, a goose, two dogs, a bear, a snake, a bunny and a goat. Price? About $25 each--but that also includes a seven-inch record featuring the Gloved One singing with the the particular pet.