Nintendo President Iwata Recovering from Surgery, Will Miss Annual Shareholders Meeting

Nintendo's 74th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders is set to take place this Friday, June 27. Unfortunately, company president Satoru Iwata will be unable to attend following recent medical treatment. According to a public letter directed at the shareholders, Iwata discovered a growth in his bile duct during a recent physical exam. The growth was still in the early stages, so he underwent surgery last week to have it removed. Most likely this will avoid any future health scares, but for the moment, his recovery makes it difficult to conduct business as usual.

Prior to E3, Iwata announced that he would be missing out on the event in Los Angeles, though he never explained why at the time. It's not a stretch to believe that this was the reason. Of course, that didn't stop him from making a humorous appearance in Nintendo's Digital Event stream, where he fought Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé in unarmed combat before engaging in a Mii Fighter battle in Smash Bros.

Who will address the shareholders this Friday and lay out Nintendo's plans for the upcoming year? No announcement has been made yet. For now, let's wish Iwata a speedy recovery. You can read his full letter to shareholders below.

June 24, 2014
Satoru Iwata
President, Nintendo Co., Ltd.

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.

Best Regards,
Satoru Iwata