- James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student from Alabama, went missing on May 29 in the Kyoto area of southern Japan while on a family vacation.
- His parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, described their situation as a "living hell" as they joined the search, with police tracking his last known movement to getting off a train at Yamashina Station.
- Higginbotham's parents believe he, an experienced hiker, may have intentionally chosen a quiet trail and could be emotionally distressed, emphasizing the urgency of the search amid concerns about Storm Jangmi hitting the region.
- He is described as 6 ft (185cm) tall with long blonde hair and blue eyes, last seen wearing a white "Save the Bees" shirt, lavender corduroy pants, white Adidas shoes, and carrying a shoulder bag with "Alabama" on it.
- The family, who have been on a trip since May 25, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers, and continues to update the public on search and rescue efforts while asking for online shares in relevant community groups.
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