A search is underway for James "Weston" Higginbotham, Auburn University junior in biosystems engineering, after he went missing in Kyoto, Japan, on May 29.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Weston's mother, Nancy Higginbotham, said that her son was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with "Save the Bees" and two bumblebees printed on the back, lavender corduroy pants and black-and-white Adidas tennis shoes. His last confirmed location was Yamashina station in Kyoto around 8:15 p.m. Japan Standard Time.
Nancy Higginbotham said her son's phone lost connection in the evening of May 29 at 8:29 pm. JST following his visit to the Kohnan hardware store. Based on CCTV footage, it is believed he was traveling east by train towards Tokyo on the Biwako or Kosie Line.
The trip was planned in celebration of Weston Higginbotham's younger brother, Grayton, who achieved straight A's throughout high school. Nancy Higginbotham said the family has been on the trip since May 25.
According to the family, Weston Higginbotham may be "emotionally distressed." His family urges the public to report any sightings of him directly to the police and the family, rather than post his location online.
The search on June 2 was hindered by a typhoon storm in the area. Since the storm, local police deployed 50 officers, K-9 dogs and helicopters to aid in the search of the wooded area near Weston's last confirmed location, specifically the Otowa and Bishamondo areas, located north of Yamashina.
The family noted that the terrain of the search area is challenging, as it is heavily wooded, extremely wet and steep.
"I want to thank the Japanese government and police, the FBI, US Embassy, our Alabama government, the wonderful Japanese volunteers and our friends that have gone above and beyond for their support today as I know the amount of resources they are pouring into finding our son is immense," Nancy said, in another statement today. "We will continue to have hope, and we will find Weston."
His family describes Weston Higginbotham as a vegan, strong student and "excellent hiker," and they believe he may have intentionally chosen a quiet trail in Yamashina, such as Bishamon-do, Lake Biwa Canal, Misasagi, Keage/Nanzen-ji, Kyoto Trail, Mount Otowa and Daigo/Kami-Daigo.
Weston is a Hoover, Alabama, native and graduate of Spain Park High School. He currently attends Auburn University where he is an engineering student.
"Stephanie and I are praying for the swift return of Weston. We also pray that Keith, Nancy and the entire Higginbotham family are provided with every resource needed as their efforts to find him continue. May strength, wisdom and endurance be with all those working to bring him home," said Nick Derzis, Hoover mayor, in a statement. "Our hearts are with the Higginbotham family during this difficult time, and we remain hopeful for a positive resolution."
Jennifer Adams, vice president for public Affairs, communication and marketing, released the following statement on behalf of the University.
"Auburn University is aware that one of our students, James “Weston” Higginbotham, has been reported missing while traveling in Japan. Our thoughts are with Weston, his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. University officials have reached out to the family and offered support," Adams said. "Weston, who is a junior biosystems engineering major, was traveling with his family at the time of his disappearance. Out of respect for the family’s privacy and ongoing efforts to locate Weston, the University has no further comment."
As of 8:45 p.m. JST on June 3, authorities have not yet found Weston. To report any leads about Weston's disappearance, contact local Japanese police and Nancy Higginbotham through WhatsApp at (205) 215-8888 or through email nancyhig@gmail.com.
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Amanda Machamer, senior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Spring 2025. Machamer previously served as a News Writer, Assistant News Editor and Assistant Content Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
Jennifer Santiago, junior in political science and history, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2024. Santiago previously served as a News Writer, Lifestyle Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Content Editor.
