Family of American college student missing in Japan pleads for help

The family of James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student, is appealing for public assistance in locating him after he went missing nearly a week ago during a family trip to Japan. Weston’s parents, including his mother Nancy Higginbotham, spoke to CNN, People Magazine, and local Kyoto media to share updates and request help in finding their son, who disappeared near Yamashina. On Thursday, Japanese police conducted a thorough search involving dozens of officers, search dogs, and helicopters in waist-high mud near the last known area where Weston was seen. Despite challenging conditions, authorities expressed confidence in their efforts, stating no area within the search zone was overlooked. The search area, located in hills north of Yamashina, reportedly has available food and water sources, including berries. Weston, a veteran hiker, was last seen during the family’s trip. Police will continue their investigation on Friday by reviewing additional closed-circuit television footage and searching forested regions. Posters with Weston’s photo have been distributed at the Yamashina train station to aid in his recovery. The Higginbotham family expressed gratitude for public support, noting that encouraging messages have sustained their hope. Nancy Higginbotham shared in a Facebook update that the family remains determined to find Weston, emphasizing their emotional resilience amid the ongoing search efforts.