The search for James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student from Hoover, Alabama, has entered another difficult day as family members and Japanese authorities continue efforts to find him after he disappeared during a trip to Japan.
Weston was last seen on May 29 in the Kyoto area while traveling with his family. Investigators later determined through surveillance footage that he arrived at Yamashina Station, located east of Kyoto. Since then, there has been no confirmed contact with him, leaving loved ones desperately searching for answers.
His parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, traveled to Japan and have joined local authorities in the search. The family has described the situation as a nightmare and has repeatedly appealed to the public for help, asking anyone who may have seen Weston to come forward.
Family members say Weston is an experienced traveler, a skilled navigator, and someone who enjoys hiking. Because of his familiarity with outdoor activities, investigators have focused part of their search on wooded and trail areas near Yamashina. Search teams have reportedly included police officers, K-9 units, and aerial resources working through difficult terrain.
Weston was last seen wearing a white “Save the Bees” T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and white Adidas shoes with black stripes. He was also carrying a shoulder bag featuring the outline of Alabama. His phone reportedly stopped providing location information shortly after he was last confirmed on surveillance footage.
Authorities have not announced any evidence of foul play. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage, transportation records, and other information as they work to establish a complete timeline of Weston’s movements before he vanished.
Back home in Hoover, the case has deeply affected the community. Friends, classmates, neighbors, and supporters have rallied around the family, sharing information online and organizing prayer gatherings while hoping for positive news.
For the Higginbotham family, every passing hour brings more uncertainty. Still, they remain determined to continue the search and have thanked supporters across Alabama, Japan, and beyond for standing beside them during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
