An American college student, 20-year-old James “Weston” Higginbotham, went missing in Japan on May 29, 2026. His disappearance followed a family disagreement over his mother’s use of ChatGPT. Higginbotham, studying engineering at Auburn University, was last seen in Kyoto at the Yamashina train station.
Family Dispute Over AI
Weston’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, mentioned that using ChatGPT has been a contentious issue between them. “I used it quite a bit as I struggled to navigate Japan,” she stated. Weston opposed AI due to its water-intensive processes, a concern linked to his focus on sustainability engineering.
The Day of His Disappearance
On the day he went missing, Weston decided to stay behind while his parents and brother visited a temple. Later that day, his family noticed his location changing through a tracking app, but received no response to their messages. The family believes Weston, who loves hiking, might have headed towards a nearby trail.
“My fear is he got injured and is unable to get help,” Nancy expressed. She noted the area’s dense forests might make finding him difficult. Her main concern is that he lacks food, although there is access to water in the mountains.
Search Efforts Underway
Although Japanese police suspended their search after three days, the family is determined to continue. During the official search, 100 officers, K9 teams, and helicopters were utilized but to no avail. Now, the family is recruiting a professional search and rescue crew in Japan, a decision expected to cost over $100,000.
His father, Keith Higginbotham, remains optimistic: “We have complete confidence that we are going to find him.” The family refuses to return home without their son.
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