James “Weston” Higginbotham, a young man who vanished in Japan, is depicted in an undisclosed location in this still image sourced from social media and disseminated on June 3, 2026. Nancy Higginbotham via Facebook via Reuters
Several days into the hunt for a university student from America who has gone missing in Japan, law enforcement officials suspect it is highly likely that the 20-year-old departed from his relatives by choice, though authorities are still apprehensive about his safety, the Kyoto Prefectural Police informed ABC News.
James "Weston" Higginbotham, a third-year student at Auburn University in Alabama, disappeared on May 29 while visiting Kyoto with his family, according to police reports. His parents initiated the missing person report after he ceased responding to their communications and his phone’s location services were deactivated.
James “Weston” Higginbotham, who went missing in Japan, iis shown in an unidentified location in this still image obtained from social media and released on June 3, 2026.Nancy Higginbotham via Facebook via Reuters
Officials have voiced concerns regarding his welfare, given that Higginbotham does not possess fluency in the Japanese language.
The police indicated that investigators have conferred with the family, retraced Higginbotham’s movements subsequent to his departure from the hotel, examined belongings he left behind, and reviewed security camera footage.
Nancy Higginbotham and Keith Higginbotham, parents of James “Weston” Higginbotham who went missing in Japan, speak at an unidentified location, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video and released on June 3, 2026.Nancy Higginbotham via Facebook via Reuters
A search operation involving a helicopter and canine units has been deployed in the mountainous regions and along the hiking paths surrounding Kyoto, according to police statements. The search efforts are anticipated to resume on Friday, the authorities confirmed.
Higginbotham hails from Hoover, Alabama, and is pursuing a degree in biosystems engineering at Auburn, as confirmed by the university and Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis.
Auburn issued a statement conveying, "Our thoughts are with Weston, his family, friends, and loved ones during this challenging period."
Mayor Derzis expressed on Wednesday, "I am praying for Weston’s prompt return," adding, "We also pray that Keith, Nancy, and the entire Higginbotham family are provided with all necessary support as they continue their endeavors to locate him."
The police department stated that should Higginbotham be located, their actions will be guided by his wishes and his right to privacy.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com