Key facts
- James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old American student, has been missing in Japan since May 29.
- He was last seen in Kyoto.
- A major storm is approaching the region where he was last seen.
- His parents have appealed for public assistance.
- Japanese police have conducted search efforts in muddy conditions.
Fears are mounting for James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old student from Auburn State University, who is missing in Japan. He was last seen in Kyoto on May 29. The growing concern for his safety is amplified by the impending arrival of a major storm in the region. His parents have previously appealed for public assistance in locating him, sharing his image widely in the hope of generating sightings. The combination of his unexplained disappearance and the approaching severe weather has heightened anxieties about his well-being. His family continues to conduct a desperate search for the missing student. Japanese police conducted search efforts in muddy conditions on Thursday, but another day passed without finding the student, though his parents expressed optimism. The student went missing after he reportedly went to an area near Kyoto known for its hiking trails.