Home / Crime and Justice / Mother's Plea: Missing Student Vanishes in Kyoto
Mother's Plea: Missing Student Vanishes in Kyoto
3 Jun
Summary
- James was last confirmed in Kyoto on May 29.
- CCTV narrowed the last known location to Yamashina station.
- Family organized a prayer vigil in Birmingham, Alabama.
The family of James 'Weston' Higginbotham is seeking the public's help in locating him after he disappeared in Kyoto, Japan. He was last confirmed to be in the Kyoto area on May 29.
His mother, Nancy, shared that police have identified Yamashina station as Weston's last known location based on CCTV footage. She noted his experience as a hiker and mentioned potential areas he might have explored, including nature trails near Yamashina.
Amidst concerns about an ongoing typhoon, his parents have been actively searching and plan to continue despite the weather and wildlife encounters. A prayer vigil was organized for him today, June 3, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama.
State Representative Mike Shaw has been in contact with the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta and confirmed that appropriate resources are engaged in the search. He expressed confidence in Japan's safety and the helpfulness of its people.
