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An Auburn University engineering student went missing in Japan, his family and officials said Wednesday, and loved ones feared he could be “emotionally distressed.”
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James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was last seen Friday in Kyoto, his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, the authorities did not find Weston today,” she said in a statement posted late Wednesday.
The family is grateful for the efforts of Japanese police, FBI agents, U.S. diplomats, Alabama officials and “the wonderful Japanese volunteers,” Nancy Higginbotham said.
“I know the amount of resources they are pouring into finding our son is immense,” she added.
Higginbotham, a junior who studies biosystems engineering at the Alabama university, was traveling with his family when he vanished, Auburn said.
Higginbotham grew up in Hoover, Alabama, and graduated from Spain Park High School.
“Our hearts are with the Higginbotham family during this difficult time, and we remain hopeful for a positive resolution,” Hoover Mayor Nick Drezis said in a statement Wednesday.
Higginbotham was last spotted at Yamashina Station in Kyoto, according to his mother.
“We don’t know if he got back on the train at any point. Weston is a very experienced hiker and this town has beautiful nature trails,” her statement said.
“He may have intentionally chosen a quiet trail from Yamashina, especially Bishamon-do, Lake Biwa Canal, Misasagi, Keage/Nanzen-ji, Kyoto Trail, Mount Otowa, or Daigo/Kami-Daigo.”
She added: “He may be emotionally distressed, so this is urgent.”
A State Department spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that the Trump administration is aware of the reports that Higginbotham was missing in Japan, and that the administration “has no higher priority than the safety of Americans.”
Higginbotham’s parents said they’re encouraged by the work of Japanese first responders and that social media is sharing the family’s story.
“We’re confident we’re going to find him,” his father, Keith Higginbotham, said in a video statement Tuesday.
“We’re going to find him because of everybody’s help and posting and getting the word out so we can find the person who’s going to find him.”
Senior Breaking News Reporter
Jean Lee reports with NBC News’ Social Newsgathering team in Los Angeles. She previously reported for the NBC News investigative unit.
© 2026 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
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