Parents Seek Assistance in Search for Missing Son in Japan

Parents of James “Weston” Higginbotham have shared a map highlighting the region that local police in Japan have searched as they seek public help to find their missing son.

Nancy Higginbotham, Weston’s mother, posted on Facebook a screenshot of a Google Maps view focusing on a wooded area in the Yamashina mountains in Kyoto. The highlighted map includes a large red circle indicating the area already searched by authorities. She called for experienced hikers to assist in searching beyond the designated search zone, particularly in the surrounding mountains and remote trails.

The post advises caution for those attempting a search without understanding Japanese or lacking proper equipment and preparation, as “it could literally cost you your life.” Foreign travelers unfamiliar with the terrain are urged to be especially cautious.

Who Is Weston Higginbotham?

This marks the seventh day since Weston Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student, disappeared during a family vacation in Japan. Last seen on May 29 in Kyoto around 8:15 p.m. local time, CCTV footage later identified him at Yamashina Station, as reported by his mother.

On May 29, Higginbotham spent the day exploring Kyoto separately from his family. Nancy and her husband, along with their younger son, visited a temple while Weston navigated the city on his own. Nancy expressed confidence in her son’s abilities, noting his excellent navigation skills and physical fitness, demonstrated by his completion of an Ironman triathlon.

Concern arose when text messages to Higginbotham went unanswered, and his phone location appeared to be turned off, which his family considered uncharacteristic. Around 2 a.m. local time, they reported him missing to police.

While efforts to locate Higginbotham continue, Japan experienced a typhoon, impacting the Wakayama prefecture and prompting high-level flood warnings. The Yamashina area also faced torrential rain Wednesday.

Newsweek has reached out to Nancy Higginbotham via email. Those with information are encouraged to contact Kyoto police or the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

The story is developing. Further updates will follow.