Japanese Volunteers Join Search for Missing American Amid Family Dispute

WHO:

CNN - James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student.

CNN - Nancy Higginbotham, Weston's mother.

CNN - Keith Higginbotham, Weston's father.

CBS News - Nancy Higginbotham, who described an argument with her son.

CBS News - Local police in Japan involved in the search.

WHAT:

CNN - Weston has been missing since May 29 after an argument with his mother.

CNN - A public plea for experienced hikers to aid in the search has been made.

CNN - A GoFundMe account supporting search efforts has raised over $40,000.

CBS News - Police have suspended their search after a thorough effort involving 100 officers, K9 dogs, and helicopters.

CBS News - The family is hiring a professional search and rescue crew in Japan, expected to cost over $100,000.

WHERE:

CNN - The search is taking place in a mountainous forest area near the border between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, Japan.

CBS News - Weston was last seen leaving the Yamashina train station in Kyoto.

WHEN:

CNN - The search with volunteers is scheduled to begin on Saturday.

CBS News - Weston has been missing since May 29.

WHY:

CBS News - The argument between Nancy and Weston was over her use of ChatGPT during their vacation, which Weston opposed due to his views on sustainability.

HOW:

CNN - Volunteers are joining the search effort, with one individual closing his business for a week to assist.

CNN - Nancy Higginbotham coordinated with local police to organize a search-and-rescue event with citizens.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 17:37 UTC)

A 20-year-old Auburn University student named Weston Higginbotham has been missing since May 29 after an argument with his mother, Nancy, over her use of ChatGPT during their vacation. Local police in Japan have suspended their search efforts, which involved 100 officers, K9 dogs, and helicopters, prompting the family to hire a professional search and rescue crew expected to cost over $100,000. A public plea for experienced hikers to assist in the search has been made, with volunteer efforts set to begin on Saturday, and a GoFundMe account supporting these efforts has already raised over $40,000.