US4 min(s) read
Published 11:50 04 Jun 2026 GMT
The parents of an Auburn University student who disappeared during a trip to Japan have issued an emotional plea for help.
James "Weston" Higginbotham, 20, vanished on Friday (May 29) after traveling to Kyoto's Yamashina Ward, an area his family believes he may have visited to access nearby hiking trails.
Now, his heartbroken parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, are asking people around the world to keep sharing information about their son in the hope someone in the East Asian country recognizes him.
In a video message shared on Facebook, the couple thanked supporters for the outpouring of help they have received since their son went missing.
"We truly feel them," the mom said of the thoughts and prayers sent their way. "We do feel the love and the support that you guys have given us and that the community in Japan has given us as well."
The father stressed that public support has played a critical role in the search effort. "Every comment, every share, has led us all to where we are now," he said.
Nancy echoed that message, explaining why continued social media visibility remains so important.
"Every time that you guys repost on social media, it's an opportunity for somebody in Japan to see it," she said. "That is our ultimate goal: for people in Japan to see Weston's face so they can report back to us."
Keith added that he remains hopeful: "We're gonna find him because of everyone's help in posting and getting the word out, so we can find the person who is gonna find him."
Weston traveled to Japan with his family on May 25 and was last seen wearing a white "Save the Bees" graphic T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers with black stripes.
He was also carrying a tote bag featuring the outline of the state of Alabama, The New York Post reported.
According to his family, his phone location stopped updating after he got off a train in Yamashina Ward.
Nancy believes her son, described as a very experienced hiker, may have intentionally headed toward a quiet trail in the area.
In earlier social media posts, she emphasized the urgency of the situation. "He may be emotionally distressed, so this is urgent," she wrote.
The distraught mother also pushed back against online speculation about her son's disappearance.
"He is not detained from a [night] out partying," she wrote. "The police have confirmed this. Please, I beg you, be kind. I'm already in so much pain."
The search has faced difficult conditions. Nancy previously revealed that she and her husband tried to search the area themselves using flashlights and headlamps, but were forced to turn back.
"My husband and I went last night with flashlights and headlamps and didn't get too far because we weren't prepared for the wildlife we encountered," she wrote. "If anyone wants to join us after the storm, I would be grateful."
Authorities and volunteers have already searched areas north of Yamashina on foot and by helicopter, with additional search efforts expected to resume on Thursday.
Nancy has also urged members of the public not to share potential sightings online.
"If you see him, PLEASE DO NOT POST HIS EXACT LOCATION PUBLICLY. Please call local police immediately and then message me directly," she wrote.
As the search continues, the Higginbotham family has thanked multiple organizations and volunteers involved in the effort, including Japanese authorities, the FBI, the U.S. Embassy, the Alabama government, and members of the local community.
Alabama Representative Mike Shaw also confirmed he had been in contact with officials in Japan regarding the case.
"We understand that appropriate resources are engaged and searching for Weston," Shaw said in a statement.
For Nancy and Keith, however, the focus remains on bringing their son home safely.
"If you know Weston, you know what a great kid he is; he has a heart of gold," the mom said in the family's latest video message. "We all want him to come back safely."
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