The parents of a missing Auburn University student have issued an emotional public appeal as the search for their 20-year-old son continues in Kyoto, Japan.
James “Weston” Higginbotham disappeared during a family trip to Japan and was last confirmed in Kyoto’s Yamashina area on May 29. His family believes he may have gone hiking in the eastern part of the city, an area known for trails and wooded terrain.
Weston’s parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, traveled to Japan after their son vanished and have been working with authorities, volunteers and supporters to spread his photo and missing-person information. In a video shared on Facebook, the couple thanked people for their prayers, messages and social media shares, saying every repost increases the chance that someone in Japan may recognize him.
“We truly feel them,” Nancy said of the support the family has received, according to reports. She added that the goal is to make sure people in Japan see Weston’s face and know how to report a possible sighting.
TRENDING TODAY
The family has described the search as urgent. Nancy said her son may be emotionally distressed and asked people not to post any exact location publicly if they believe they see him. Instead, she urged anyone with information to contact local police immediately and then notify the family privately.
Weston, an environmental engineering student at Auburn University, traveled to Japan with relatives in late May. Reports say he was last seen wearing a white shirt with a “Save the Bees” graphic, lavender corduroy pants and Adidas sneakers with black stripes. He was also carrying a tote bag with an outline of the state of Alabama.
His phone location reportedly stopped after he left a train in Yamashina Ward. Family members believe he may have intentionally chosen a quiet hiking route in the area. Search teams have reportedly focused on terrain north of Yamashina, including trails and wooded areas that can be difficult to access.
Japanese authorities have been involved in the search, along with local volunteers. People reported that the search has included police officers, K9 units and helicopters, while Japanese officials have reviewed CCTV footage to help determine Weston’s last confirmed movements. The FBI, the U.S. Embassy and Alabama officials have also been involved in supporting the family and coordinating assistance.
The family has repeatedly emphasized the importance of sharing accurate information, especially among people living in Japan. Keith Higginbotham said every comment and share has helped move the search forward. Nancy added that each repost gives someone in Japan another opportunity to see Weston’s face and possibly provide a lead.
The case has drawn attention from the Auburn community and from people in Alabama, where friends, classmates and supporters have organized prayers and shared missing-person flyers online. Weston has been described by his family as a kind young man with a “heart of gold.”
The search has been complicated by distance, terrain and uncertainty over Weston’s exact route. Reports indicate that authorities and volunteers have searched areas where he may have gone hiking, but as of the latest updates, he had not been found.
Missing-person cases abroad can be especially difficult for families because they involve foreign law enforcement procedures, language barriers and coordination between local authorities and U.S. officials. In this case, the Higginbotham family has thanked the Japanese government, police, the FBI, the U.S. Embassy, Alabama officials and volunteers for helping them pursue every possible lead.
The family is also asking the public to be careful about sharing unverified claims. They have urged people to share flyers and official information, but not to publish a possible exact location online if they believe they have seen Weston. That request is intended to protect his safety and help authorities respond properly.
For now, the family remains focused on keeping Weston’s image visible in Japan and encouraging anyone with information to come forward. They say they are grateful for the support they have received but remain desperate for answers.
“We all want him to come back safely,” Nancy said in the family’s appeal.
Why It Matters
The case matters because Weston Higginbotham is missing in a foreign country, far from his university community and home support system. His family’s appeal shows how important public awareness can be in a missing-person search, especially when the last known location is in another country.
It also highlights the challenges families face when a loved one disappears abroad. Search efforts must involve local police, foreign officials, U.S. diplomatic support, volunteers and social media outreach, all while the family deals with fear and uncertainty.
What Comes Next
Search efforts are expected to continue in the Kyoto area, especially around Yamashina and nearby hiking routes. Authorities may continue reviewing CCTV footage, phone data and reports from the public to narrow the timeline of Weston’s movements.
The family is asking people, especially those in Japan, to keep sharing his photo and missing-person information. Anyone who believes they have seen him should contact local police immediately and avoid posting an exact location publicly.
Local Alabama outlet 1819 News reported that the search continues for James “Weston” Higginbotham, an Auburn University student and Hoover native missing in Japan.
Search continues for James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, Auburn student and Hoover native, missing in Japan
By @aprylmarie https://t.co/0SsXOOa1oe— 1819 News (@1819News) June 3, 2026
