His father was an Englishs teacher. It would be embarassing if he couldn't.

Because he doesn't really, may it be in presentation or interviews, he only speaks a few words, but that's it. And he did the same at the apple event

So yeah, shame on him to only start now.

But he always understood english very well though, it's talking that was hard for him.

tfw people make a big deal about the language someone is speaking

I'm pretty sure Miyamoto is like semi-fluent in English, he just prefers Japanese.

It's not really newsworthy or anything, but an apple event reached to a lot of new people, people that don't even knew who he was.
So they talked a lot about it.

But most Nintendo staff barely speaks english properly anyway. It's the Nintendo difference ^^ living in a cave, making mario games all day.

He's been speaking English since the 90s mate he just prefers to speak in Japanese.

LOL . I didn't know his father was a English teacher.

He has spoken English way before. Remember E3 2004? As people already stated he understands some English but is uncomfortable speaking it, especially for a long period of time like what was shown in yesterday's briefing. This, he prefers his native language. And besides, English is no cake walk for those who want to learn it. Give the guy a break.

Was it just me but when he walked up on stage I thought I heard him say "Thanks Steve (Jobs)" and not Tim lol

It's because a lot of people didn't know he could, since he prefers getting a translator

His accent is really heavy..

People were surprised Miyamoto can speak english? They must be new at following Nintendo.

He spoke English at a lot of E3 press conferences prior to the switch over to Digital Events. I think he has even done so in Direct or two.