Japanese police say it's 'highly probable' missing American student left family intentionally

KYOTO, JAPAN: Japanese authorities say it is "highly probable" that an American college student who disappeared during a family trip to Japan intentionally left his family, but police are worried about his safety as a large-scale search continues.

James "Weston" Higginbotham, 20, a student at Auburn University in Alabama, has been missing since May 29 after being separated from his family while on a trip to Kyoto.

Police believe James Higginbotham left on his own but safety concerns remain

According to Kyoto Prefectural Police, investigators have reviewed surveillance footage and traced Higginbotham's movements after he left his family during the trip.

Authorities expressed concern for his well-being because Higginbotham does not speak Japanese.

Police said investigators have interviewed the family, followed Higginbotham’s movements after he left the hotel, examined items he left behind, and reviewed surveillance footage.

A helicopter and K-9 teams have helped with the search in the mountains and hiking trails around Kyoto, police said. The search is expected to continue on Friday, police said.

Investigators traced Higginbotham to Kyoto Station before he traveled to Yamashina Station, an area known for hiking routes and forested terrain. His phone signal was reportedly lost later that evening, and authorities have not had confirmed contact with him since.

The conclusion was supported by a review of surveillance footage, an examination of belongings Higginbotham left at the hotel, interviews with his family, and a reconstruction of his movements after he departed, according to ABC News.

Should he be found, police said, his personal wishes and right to privacy will guide how officers respond.

Family remains hopeful as search continues across the Kyoto region

Higginbotham's family has continued appealing for public assistance while remaining hopeful that he will be found safe.

Auburn University confirmed that Higginbotham, a biosystems engineering student, grew up in Hoover, Alabama.

The university issued a statement saying its "thoughts are with Weston, his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

Nick Derzis, the mayor of Hoover, said he was "praying for the swift return of Weston" and urged that the Higginbotham family be given every resource available as they search for him, according to ABC News.

Derzis said in a statement Wednesday that he's "praying for the swift return of Weston," adding, "We also pray that Keith, Nancy, and the entire Higginbotham family are provided with every resource needed as their efforts to find him continue."

Family members say Higginbotham is an experienced traveler and enjoys spending time outdoors. They believe he may have headed toward hiking areas near Yamashina after deciding to spend time alone.

"We truly believe he's still alive," Keith Higginbotham said as the search continued. "We're looking for him alive."