An Auburn University student who disappeared in Japan during a family trip remains a mystery.
James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, 20, was last seen in the Kyoto area on May 29, 2026.
According to information shared by James’ mother, Nancy Higginbotham on social media, she asked the public to inform local police if anyone tracks him down.
The Higginbothams believe he may have traveled into wooded areas or trails near Yamashina due to his love of hiking.
To find the 20-year-old Hoover native, his family and friends are gathering in Shelby County Tuesday night to organize a plea.
His family says he made the last purchase at a Kohnan hardware store in the area, where the phone’s last activity was reported as the evening wore on.
The Japanese police officials have informed the Weston family of the report and that he is not in custody after the night he disappeared.
According to the latest updates, investigators identified Higginbotham at the Yamashina train station east of Kyoto.
According to his family, the security camera footage reviewed by local police officials suggests that he reached the station around 20.15 on 29 May 2026.
But it is still unknown whether he got on the train afterwards.
Authorities describe Higginbotham as 6 feet, 1 inch tall with long blond hair and blue eyes.
Hinninbotham graduated from Spain Park High School and is currently enrolled at Auburn University where he is studying environmental engineering.
