An American college student is missing in Japan: What we know about the search

Digital Producer

KYOTO, Japan —

An American college student is missing in Japan. Authorities and family members are searching after he disappeared during a family trip.

James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was last confirmed in the Kyoto area on May 29 while traveling with his family, according to information released on social media by his mother, Nancy Higginbotham.

What we know

• James Higginbotham, 20, was last seen in the Kyoto area on May 29.
• Because of his hiking experience, family members believe he may have traveled into wooded or trail areas near Yamashina. A typhoon moved through the region Tuesday, complicating efforts to search trails and wooded areas near where Weston was last known to be.
• Police are using surveillance video to follow his last-known movements.
• His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, said she is concerned he may be in emotional distress. Because of his experience and independence, Nancy said there was little reason for concern when he spent time on his own during the family’s trip.
• Anyone who sees Higginbotham is asked not to publicly post his location but instead contact local police immediately and then notify the family.

The search

Local police have been reviewing surveillance video and other evidence as they work to piece together his movements. A police report has been filed.

As the search continues, the family is also dealing with difficult weather conditions. A typhoon moved through the region Tuesday, complicating efforts to search trails and wooded areas near where Weston was last known to be.

The latest information from investigators places Higginbotham at Yamashina Station east of Kyoto. Surveillance footage reviewed by police shows he made it to the station, according to his family, but it remains unclear whether he got back on a train after that.

His family said he arrived at Kyoto Station around 8:15 p.m. on May 29. His phone last showed activity at 8:29 p.m.

Video below: Parents of Auburn student missing in Japan discuss the search

Before that, Higginbotham was confirmed to have made a purchase at a Kohnan hardware store in the Kyoto area. Family members believe he was traveling east from Kyoto on a local train along the Biwako Line, also known as the Tokaido Main Line, or the Kosei Line.

His mother said she is concerned he may be in emotional distress.

Speaking from Kyoto, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham said volunteers, social media users and complete strangers have played a critical role in helping the family search for Weston.

Now, she says, the family’s biggest challenge is getting Weston’s photo and story in front of more Japanese residents.

“I need Japanese media contacts,” she said. “My biggest hurdle is getting it out to Japanese residents.”

While social media has helped spread information across the United States, Keith believes reaching more people in Japan is imperative, because they are the ones most likely to encounter Weston if he is moving through the area.

“He stands out in the crowd, because he looks nothing like everyone else here, with his blond hair and his height,” he said. “So he is easy to locate if you just know to look for him. So getting in front of more people here so that they know to look for him is key.”

About James Higginbotham

Higginbotham is described as 6 feet, 1 inch tall with long blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a shirt with a white front and the words “Save the Bees” with two bumblebees on the back, lavender corduroy pants with a large cuff, and worn white Adidas shoes with black stripes and wide shoelaces.

He was carrying a shoulder bag featuring the outline of the state of Alabama.

“If anyone knows Weston, he’s a vegan pacifist. He doesn’t even kill mosquitoes,” his mother said. “He’s the nicest child.”

Because of his experience and independence, Nancy said there was little reason for concern when he spent time on his own during the family’s trip.

An Auburn University student studying environmental engineering, Higginbotham is described by his mother as an excellent student, experienced traveler and skilled navigator. He is also an avid hiker.

Because of his hiking experience, family members believe he may have traveled into wooded or trail areas near Yamashina.

Support in Alabama

Alabama State Rep. Mike Shaw said he and State Rep. Susan DuBose have been in contact with Mark B. Jackson, honorary consul general of Japan, and the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta regarding the search.

Shaw, who chairs the Japan Legislative Exchange in the Alabama House of Representatives, said officials have been assured that “appropriate resources” have been engaged in the search for Higginbotham.

“Let’s all pray for Weston’s safe return, for strength and peace for his family, and for wisdom and endurance for everyone involved in the search,” he said.

As his family searches for answers overseas, support is growing back home in Central Alabama, where loved ones, friends and community members gathered Tuesday at Asbury United Methodist Church to pray for his safe return.

At the prayer gathering, that hope was at the center of every message. Higginbotham’s family is working to spread word of his disappearance as widely as possible and hopes anyone with information will come forward. They say they are thankful for the support they have received so far and are asking people to continue praying for his safe return.