The disappearance of an American college student in Japan has sparked an intense search by family members and local authorities.

James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was last seen on May 29 in Kyoto, one of the country's most visited tourist destinations. Since then, his family has not heard from him and is maintaining a public campaign to locate him, according to his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, in a Facebook post.

The young man studies at Auburn University, in Alabama, and had arrived in Japan with his family on May 25 to take a trip around the country.

Its last confirmed location was in Kyoto

According to information released by his relatives, Higginbotham's last confirmed purchase occurred at a Kohnan home goods store in Kyoto.

He later arrived at the city's train station, but his cell phone signal was lost around 8:29 p.m. local time.

Video surveillance images obtained by the police show the student getting off at the Yamashina station, located a few minutes from where he boarded the train.

However, so far it has not been possible to determine whether he boarded another convoy or where he went next.

On the page created to help in the search, relatives indicated that the young man could have been going through a situation of emotional distress before disappearing.

His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, asked for understanding as the search continues.

"Please be kind. We are living our own hell. The police have confirmed that he is not detained after a night of partying. I beg you to be kind. I am already suffering a lot," he wrote on social media.

Both Nancy and her husband, Keith Higginbotham, remain in Japan actively collaborating in the efforts to find their son.

An experienced hiker who knows nature

According to the description released by the family, Higginbotham is approximately 1.85 meters tall, has long blonde hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with a design on the back that read “Save the Bees,” lavender corduroy pants, white Adidas sneakers with black stripes, and a crossbody bag with a reference to the state of Alabama.

His relatives emphasize that he is an experienced hiker with an excellent sense of direction, so the circumstances of his disappearance have generated even more concern.

The family has asked for help from residents and visitors to check hotels, hostels, cafes, train stations, businesses and wooded areas near the student's last known location.

Nancy Higginbotham assured that she and her husband carried out night searches with flashlights, although the terrain conditions and the presence of wildlife made the tours difficult.

In addition, he noted that he will continue exploring forested areas despite the adverse weather conditions caused by a storm that affects the region.

As the search continues in Japan, family and friends organize shows of support in the United States.

A prayer vigil is planned for Tuesday afternoon at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where members of the community will gather to accompany the family and pray for the student's safe return.