While Nintendo may not be holding a full conference at E3 2014, instead choosing to hold a Digital Event, they obviously will still have a major presence from the Nintendo Treehouse: Live @E3 event to the Super Smash Bros. tournament. As a result, it would be presumed that president Satoru Iwata would be attending, but sadly it appears he will not due to health reasons.
In an email response given to Polygon, it was revealed that there is nothing seriously wrong, but his doctor advised him from going overseas for now.
He’s been instructed by his physician not to travel overseas in the immediate future, and so he will not be making the trip to Los Angeles. Please understand that it is business as usual for Mr. Iwata, and he continues his normal duties as president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. while he remains in Japan. As always, he will be actively involved in all of Nintendo’s activities at the show.
It’s sad that he won’t be able to be there, but at least he will be involved with the Nintendo Digital Event I’m sure, as he usually hosts the Nintendo Directs.