Prior to this year’s E3, we learned that Satoru Iwata would not be attending the expo due to health reasons. Now we know just what happened exactly. Iwata explained in an official message today that he suffered from a bile duct growth.
Fortunately, it was detected very early and was surgically removed last week. Iwata is now recovering, though it’ll be a little whole longer before he returns to work. He will not be attending the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders this week.
You can find Iwata’s full message 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."
