Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Attend 'Moneyball' Premiere in Japan

TOKYO Brad Pitt was in Tokyo Wednesday, with Angelina Jolie and all six children in tow, for the official Japanese premiere of Bennett Millers Moneyball, with his visit billed by some local media as the "first by a major Hollywood star since the March disasters."

Pitt was joined onstage by representatives of school baseball teams from the disaster-hit areas who he presented with signed baseballs.

We have huge admiration and respect for the tenacious way that people are fighting to rebuild their lives and communities after the destruction that was witnessed around the world, said Pitt.

Its important for athletes and entertainers to provide inspiration, and even a little escape, at times like these, he added.

Moneyball, the story of Oakland Athletics manager Billy Beane, actually closed the Tokyo International Film Festival on Oct. 30, but Pitts planned visit for the event never happened. Mila Jovovich and Jackie Chan, at the fest to promote the double opening films of The Three Musketeers and 1911, might point out they were in Tokyo before Pitt.

The big-screen adaptation of Michael Lewis best-selling book also opened Oct.s Mumbai Film Festival.

Moneyball, which also featuresJonah Hill,Philip Seymour HoffmanandRobin Wright,willbe released in Japan by Sony Pictures Entertainment on Nov. 11.

Twitter: @GavinJBlair