Search Intensifies for Missing Auburn University Student in Japan

James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student, has been missing in Japan since May 29. His family is deeply concerned and has organized search efforts, including a prayer vigil. Authorities believe he may have disembarked from a train at Yamashina Station. The search continues in the Kyoto area, where his last known activities were recorded. His family describes him as a skilled navigator and an honors student. Despite challenging weather, they remain hopeful and are actively searching for him.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 01:54 IST

Ongoing Search for James Higginbotham

James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old student from Auburn University, has been unaccounted for in Japan since May 29. His disappearance has led to a concerted search effort by both his family and local authorities. Weston was in Japan with his family for what his mother referred to as a graduation celebration. His parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, have been actively looking for him since he was last seen in the Kyoto region on May 29. To raise awareness about his case, the family held a prayer vigil at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. “Please be kind. We are in our own living hell,” Nancy Higginbotham expressed in a Facebook post appealing for assistance. “He is not detained from a night out partying. The police have confirmed this.”

Details Surrounding Weston's Disappearance

What We Know About Weston's Disappearance

According to his family, Higginbotham is an honors graduate from Spain Park High School and is currently pursuing a degree in environmental engineering at Auburn University. His mother described him as a vegan, well-traveled individual, an outstanding student, and a proficient navigator. The last confirmed transaction linked to him occurred at a Kohnan hardware store in Kyoto. His final known phone activity was recorded on the evening of May 29. Nancy Higginbotham mentioned that her son might have been traveling by train and could be experiencing emotional distress.

Weston stands approximately 185 centimeters (6 feet 1 inch) tall, has long blonde hair, blue eyes, and has pierced ears adorned with silver hoop earrings. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a shirt with a white front and “Save the Bees” printed on the back, along with lavender corduroy pants, worn white Adidas sneakers with black stripes, and was carrying a shoulder bag featuring the state of Alabama.

In a recent update, Nancy Higginbotham reported that police have refined the search area after analyzing CCTV footage. Authorities believe Weston disembarked from a train at Yamashina Station, but it remains uncertain if he boarded another train afterward. The area is known for its numerous nature trails and hiking paths, including spots near Bishamon-do, Lake Biwa Canal, Mount Otowa, and the Kyoto Trail. Despite adverse weather conditions, Higginbotham’s parents have persisted in searching the nearby wooded regions, with support from local authorities and community members in their efforts to find him.