Moments ago, Nintendo of Japan issued a short notification announcing the death of company president Satoru Iwata. He was 55.

The full text of Nintendo's statement was as follows:

Nintendo Co., Ltd. deeply regrets to announce that President Satoru Iwata passed away on July 11, 2015 due to a bile duct growth.

Iwata first started working for Nintendo “second-party” developer HAL Laboratories while he was still in college over 30 years ago. In 2000, he joined Nintendo of Japan as head of corporate planning, and in 2002 Iwata stepped into the role of president.

Throughout his tenure, Iwata worked on a number of innovative games and initiatives for the company, including Kirby's Adventure, Earthbound, the Nintendo DS, and the Wii. Most recently, Iwata oversaw the agreement made with mobile developer DeNA, which will allow the company to bring Nintendo properties to smartphones. Throughout his career, Iwata’s vision for Nintendo was built around the idea that people from various walks of life and across generations could all enjoy games.

Iwata was also well known for his public-facing presidency. He was good humored in the company’s “Nintendo Direct” video series, and in the Q&A series “Iwata Asks,” the president spoke candidly and deeply with game developers.

His trademark candor and humor will be sorely missed.

Wow, totally shocked. Incredibly sad for his family and the company.

From last year: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/stock/meeting/140627/index.html

Holy shit. I still can't believe it.

RIP and thoughts to his family and those closest to him at Nintendo.

:(

Seemingly out of nowhere. RIP

RIP

RIP Iwata-kun

That sucks. Hopefully, his successor can bring Nintendo back to the forefront.

Rest in peace Iwata-san. You'll be missed. You wonderful, wonderful goof.

What a shame. He seemed like a personable, honest figurehead. We need more like him.

Wow, seriously? He's been president before I was born. Sad to see this happen.

In total shock. Rest in peace Mr. Iwata.

I'm so shocked. Rest in peace.

;-;7

Wow. Very sad. RIP.

RIP Mr. Iwata

shit y'all :(

Do a barrel roll Mr. Iwata.

Oh wow... I knew Mr. Iwata had some health issues but this came out of nowhere. Bummer :(

This is really shocking. He was one of the most likable people in the Games Industry and will surely be missed.

RIP!

He will be solely missed.

RIP Iwata. You were too rad for this world.

We lost a good one. :(

RIP. One of a kind, you will be sorely missed.

Dude, July is the worst month. Please get rid of it.

This is one of those deaths where you just go "Wait, what? Whaaaaaat?" 55 isn't necessarily young, but it's not old enough for this not to feel shocking.

They may not have always paid off but the man made some bold and wildly different moves that few would be brave enough to try. So long, Mr. Iwata.

RIP Iwata-san. You'll be remembered.

Super depressing, thoughts go out to his family and coworkers.

Wow, really sad news. R.I.P

RIP

Thanks Mr. Iwata. Till we all meet again in World 2.

At least we'll always have Iwata vs. Reggie. Battle for the ages.
RIP Mr. Iwata

55 is so young. Thoughts and prayers to his family, very sad.

So is Reggie the replacement? I doubt Shiggy wants to be the head.

Kind of hoping Nintendo releases a full-on statement and tribute. We all know when Ryan passed we had a rather heartfelt article about it yet Nintendo puts out basically a company memo.

R.I.P. Iwata-kun 8(

Good night sweet prince.

I'm just going to try to remember him like this. In all seriousness, I cannot think of a single loss as big as this one in video games. The man was a giant. RIP

R.I.P.

Such a tragic loss!

The video gaming world's favourite uncle. Rest In Peace, Mr Iwata. Thanks for everything. You will be remembered as a Titan.

A sad day for Nintendo and video games.

Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata. Rest in peace.

F

In my mind he's just evolved into his second form.

In my heart he's possibly the most lovable corporate president in the history of all mankind.

Condolences to Mr. Iwata's friends and family.

ご冥福をお祈りいたします。

This is a sad day for gaming.

Holy shit -- that's truly upsetting. Rest in peace. :(

Damn. 55 is way too short a life. RIP, Iwata.

@mystyr_e: He died just yesterday so I'm assuming it's still really fresh and they haven't quite had time to do much more than get the news out there.

55 is way too soon. Unbelievable.

Damn it.

Rest in peace, Satoru Iwata. You'll be missed.

Awful, shocking news. Thanks for everything, Iwata. :(