Auburn Student Vanishes in Japan; Parents Plead for Help

James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old student at Auburn University, has been missing in Japan since May 29. His parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, have issued emotional appeals for help in locating their son, who was last seen in Kyoto. Surveillance footage confirms Higginbotham was at Yamashina Station, east of Kyoto, on the morning of May 29. His family believes he may have ventured into nearby hiking trails, including routes leading toward Mount Otowa and the Kyoto Trail network. Higginbotham was traveling with his family on a vacation and was last seen wearing lavender pants, a 'Save the Bees' t-shirt, and white sneakers. His phone last showed activity around 8:15 p.m. near Kyoto Station before losing network service. The family has urged social media users to share posts about Higginbotham to increase visibility in Japan. Police and K-9 units are assisting in the search. Higginbotham is described as an experienced hiker and environmental engineering student. His mother mentioned he may have been emotionally distressed at the time of his disappearance.