Search Intensifies for Missing US Student in Japan

The parents of James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham have shared a map highlighting areas previously searched by Japanese police as they seek local assistance in locating their missing son.

Nancy Higginbotham, Weston’s mother, posted a Google Maps screenshot on Facebook depicting a wooded region in the Yamashina mountains near Kyoto. A red circle marks the area authorities have searched. She urged skilled hikers to explore beyond this zone, specifically in the adjacent mountains and remote trails.

We are asking experienced hikers to help search outside of the marked search zone, particularly in the surrounding mountains and remote trails.

However, local residents cautioned inexperienced hikers about potential dangers. According to Nancy’s post, locals advise against hiking without Japanese language skills, a map app, adequate food, or proper attire, as these deficiencies might prove perilous. Foreign travelers unfamiliar with the terrain were also advised to exercise caution.

Who Is Weston Higginbotham?

Weston Higginbotham, a 20-year-old student from Auburn University, has been missing for seven days during a family trip to Japan. Last seen on May 29 at approximately 8:15 p.m. in Kyoto, he was later captured on CCTV at Yamashina Station, as reported by his mother.

The family spent May 29 separately in Kyoto, with Weston exploring solo while his parents and younger brother visited a temple. Despite being confident in his abilities as an ‘excellent navigator’ and accomplished Ironman triathlete, his parents grew concerned when he failed to respond to texts and his phone’s live location stopped updating, which they said was unusual for him. They reported his disappearance to police at around 2 a.m. local time.

During the search, a typhoon struck Japan, particularly impacting the Wakayama prefecture, causing severe flooding and heavy rainfall in the Yamashina area.

Newsweek has reached out to Nancy Higginbotham for further comments. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact Kyoto police or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

This story is developing. More updates will follow.