Satoru Iwata is a popular figure with many Nintendo fans, so when the announcement came that he would not be attending this year's E3 there was some disappointment and concern. Concerns arose after Iwata-san missed last year's E3 due to an operation to remove a tumour from his bile duct. At the time some were worried the fan favourite President would not return at all to his post, but since his arrival back in October 2014 he says his health has been going from strength to strength.

Concerning his non-attendance this year, Nintendo's President stated that he thought it important to keep Nintendo's Japanese fans up to date via Twitter, using the #Iwatter hashtag. He stated in one of his tweets:

With the exception of last year, I've been going to the E3 every year. However, as there's no new hardware to present this year and considering the fact that a general meeting of shareholders is planned for the week following the E3, I will remain in Japan this year. My role at E3 this year is to relay everything happening at E3 to everyone that's in Japan.

Iwata-san also updated his fans with a photo from Mr. Miyamoto arriving at the conference.

Miyamoto E3

I just received this [photo] earlier but it looks like Mr. Miyamoto has already reached Los Angeles. Seeing the E3 logo gives you that feeling that 'Oh, E3 is finally getting started!'

In true Nintendo style, Iwata-san decided to show off his new Mii, which reflects his weight loss.

Iwata Mii

Because of the operation I underwent in June last year, I've become a little thin. My weight has more or less remained the same since I left the hospital and it seems as though I'll be able to maintain this figure, so I decided to update my official Mii to reflect my present condition. Please be kind to it.

Despite the absence of Satoru Iwata we can look forward to appearances from Shigeru Miyamoto, Reggie Fils-Aime, Bill Trinen, the Treehouse team and more during this E3. Hopefully Iwata-san will return to the event next year.

[source siliconera.com]