James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student, has been missing for seven days while on a family vacation in Japan. His parents have provided a map of the area where local police have already searched and are urging experienced hikers to help search beyond the marked zone in Kyoto’s Yamashina mountains.
Nancy Higginbotham, Weston’s mother, shared a Google Maps view of a wooded area on Facebook, emphasizing the need to search remote trails outside the red-circled search zone. She cautioned those unfamiliar with Japanese terrain who haven’t taken proper precautions, highlighting the potential danger for unprepared hikers.
Weston, last seen on May 29 at 8:15 p.m. in Kyoto and later on CCTV at Yamashina Station, was reported missing by his family after receiving no response to messages and noticing his phone location was turned off. His mother described him as fit and an “excellent navigator.”
Complicating the search, a typhoon hit Japan, affecting the Yamashina area with heavy rains. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Kyoto police or the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
The situation remains fluid, with updates pending.