During E3 2014, Nintendo president and direct-information-giver Satoru Iwata was missing due to some health issues. At the time, no one knew exactly what those issues might have been, but today we got some answers from a letter to shareholders by Iwata himself.
It turns out that a growth had been found in Iwata’s bile duct, and surgery was needed to remove it before it became any worse. Fortunately, it looks like he is doing well after the procedure and is already back to doing some business, though he will be missing the annual shareholder’s meeting later this month.
Get well soon, Iwata! We need more Nintendo Directs already.
The full letter is below:
Thank you very much for your continued extraordinary support of us. I am Satoru Iwata, President of the company.
Today, there is one thing that I would like to share with you.
Recently, as the result of one of my routine physical examinations, an issue was detected. Following a more detailed examination, a growth was found in my bile duct.
In general, it is said that a bile duct growth can be difficult-to-treat, partly because of the difficulty of detecting it early. In my case, luckily, it was detected very early and I had no symptoms.
I was counseled that removal at an early stage would be the desirable medical option. Therefore I had surgery last week, and I came through it well, as predicted.
I have already resumed my business by email and by other means, but it is anticipated that a little more time is needed for me to return to my regular work schedule.
As a result, I have no choice but to miss the company’s very important activity, the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, to be held this month. As the president of the company, I regret that I cannot attend the meeting. However, I understand that I have to prioritize my medical treatment and to recover as soon as possible so that I will again be able to do my best to help the company to grow. I hope that you understand.