Weston Higginbotham Missing in Japan as Hoover Family Pleads for Public’s Help

A Hoover, Alabama family is urgently asking for the public’s help as the search continues for 20-year-old James “Weston” Higginbotham, an Auburn University student who disappeared while traveling in Japan. His disappearance has sparked growing concern among family members, friends, university officials, and community supporters both in the United States and abroad.

According to relatives, Weston was last confirmed in the Kyoto area on May 29 during a family trip to Japan that began on May 25. Authorities reviewing surveillance footage identified his last known location near Yamashina Station, located east of Kyoto. Investigators confirmed that Weston exited a train at the station, though it remains unclear whether he later boarded another train or traveled elsewhere on foot.

Family members stated that Weston’s phone reportedly lost network service around 8:29 p.m. on May 29, shortly after he arrived at Kyoto Station at approximately 8:15 p.m. Investigators believe he may have continued traveling east using either the Biwako Line or the Kosei Line.

Weston is described as an experienced traveler, an environmental engineering student at Auburn University, and someone who enjoys hiking and exploring nature. His family believes he may have intentionally headed toward nearby outdoor areas, including Bishamon-do, the Kyoto Trail, Mount Otowa, the Lake Biwa Canal region, or surrounding mountain and temple areas. However, loved ones are also concerned that he may be emotionally distressed and in need of immediate assistance.

He is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall with long blond hair and blue eyes. Weston was last seen wearing a shirt with a “Save the Bees” design on the back, lavender corduroy pants, and worn white Adidas shoes with black stripes. He was also carrying a shoulder bag featuring the outline of the state of Alabama.

Weston’s parents have traveled to Japan and are personally searching wooded and rural areas near Yamashina while continuing to plead for public awareness. They are asking residents, hikers, transportation workers, shop owners, and volunteers throughout Kyoto, Otsu, Yamashina, and the Lake Biwa region to remain alert and report any possible sightings.

Auburn University has publicly expressed support for Weston’s family during this difficult time as search efforts continue.

Anyone with information regarding Weston Higginbotham’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities immediately.