The parents of James “Weston” Higginbotham have appealed to the public for help in the search for their missing son in Japan. They have provided a map highlighting areas already examined by local police.

Nancy Higginbotham, his mother, shared an image on Facebook showing a Google Maps view of a wooded region in Kyoto’s Yamashina mountains. A red circle marks the area authorities have searched. She urged experienced hikers to check areas outside this zone, especially in nearby mountains and remote trails.

She emphasized safety, quoting a local who advised caution for those unfamiliar with the landscape. The post warned against setting out without proper preparation, as the risks include life-threatening dangers.

Who Is Weston Higginbotham?

Weston Higginbotham, a 20-year-old student from Auburn University, went missing during a family trip to Japan. The last sighting was on May 29 in Kyoto around 8:15 p.m., with CCTV later capturing him at Yamashina Station, according to his mother’s account.

Nancy stated that the family had spent May 29 independently in Kyoto. She, her husband, and their younger son visited a temple, while Weston explored alone. Despite his skills as an “excellent navigator” and fitness, they became concerned when he did not respond to messages and his phone location turned off, which was unusual for him. They reported him missing to police at 2 a.m. local time.

As the search continues, conditions have worsened due to a typhoon impacting Japan. It hit the Wakayama prefecture, prompting severe flood warnings and brought heavy rain to the Yamashina area.

Efforts to communicate with Nancy Higginbotham are ongoing. Anyone with relevant information should contact Kyoto police or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

This situation is developing. Updates will follow.