The parents of an Auburn University student who disappeared in Japan are still searching for their son. James "Weston" Higginbotham, 20, was reported missing last Friday. Authorities believe he may have been exploring hiking trails in Kyoto's Yamashina Ward, located in the eastern part of the city.
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An extensive search operation has since been launched as family, volunteers, and authorities work to locate the missing student.
"We decided to separate," Nancy Higginbotham said. "We had been, you know, kind of bickering with each other, and we decided, you go do your thing, we go do our thing. I mean he's 20 years old, he's extremely well-traveled, he's a wonderful navigator, and so we went to the temples, and then he went by the river."
However, she noted that it was just a normal arguement. He just needed some time by himself.
"We just needed some separation," she said. "And so his happy place is going on a trail or just going on a hike, and so we just all needed just a little bit of time away. It's not an abnormal thing to want time. When you're 20, you're an adult. You can do that."
Student Missing in Japan as Parents Plead for Help
Weston's parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, took to social media on Monday. They thanked supporters and urged the public to continue sharing information.
"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," Nancy said.
"Every comment, every share, has led us all to where we are now," Keith added.
"Every time that you guys repost on social media, it's an opportunity for somebody in Japan to see it. That is our ultimate goal is for people in Japan to see Weston's face so they can report back to us."
Higginbotham traveled to Japan with family on May 25 and was last seen several days later.
According to reports, he was wearing a white T-shirt featuring a "Save the Bees" graphic, lavender corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers with black stripes.
He was also carrying a tote bag displaying the outline of the state of Alabama.
Search Continues in Kyoto Hiking Area
Nancy said her son "may be emotionally distressed," making efforts to find him as quickly as possible even more urgent.
"If you know Weston, you know what a great kid he is; he has a heart of gold," Nancy added. "We all want him to come back safely."
Authorities believe Higginbotham's phone location stopped transmitting after he exited a train in Yamashina Ward.
Investigators think he may have chosen to hike one of the quieter trails in the area.
"If you see him, PLEASE DO NOT POST HIS EXACT LOCATION PUBLICLY. Please call local police immediately and then message me directly," Nancy also posted on Facebook.
Search efforts were expected to resume on Thursday after authorities and volunteers spent days searching areas north of Yamashina on foot and by helicopter.
Nancy and Keith also expressed gratitude to the Japanese government, local police, the FBI, the U.S. Embassy, Alabama officials, and the many volunteers assisting in the effort to bring their son home safely.
