Overview
- Surveillance footage and phone data place James “Weston” Higginbotham at Yamashina Station on May 29, after which his phone lost signal and he has not been seen.
- Kyoto police and volunteers have mounted ground searches with about 50 officers, K-9 teams and helicopters to comb wooded trails and hiking routes near Bishamon-do and Mount Otowa.
- On June 4 Kyoto Prefectural Police told reporters they consider it highly probable he left intentionally, yet officers remain concerned for his welfare given steep, wet terrain and his lack of Japanese language ability.
- His parents, who are in Kyoto coordinating searches, are urging Japanese media outreach, asking the public to call police rather than posting exact sighting locations and thanking local volunteers for help.
- U.S. officials and Auburn University have been notified, the family describes him as an experienced hiker about 6'1" with long blond hair and a distinctive outfit, and anyone with information is asked to contact local police.