Weston Higginbotham Japan: American Man Missing in Rural Hokkaido After Solo Hiking Trip
SAPPORO, JAPAN – Authorities in Hokkaido, Japan, have launched an extensive search for 32-year-old American tourist Weston Higginbotham, who was reported missing on Tuesday after failing to return from a solo hiking expedition in the Daisetsuzan mountain range.
According to the Hokkaido Prefectural Police, Higginbotham was last seen on Monday morning at a trailhead near the town of Kamikawa. He was equipped with hiking gear, a satellite phone, and supplies for a three-day trek, according to his family. Local search and rescue teams, assisted by a helicopter unit, have been scouring the rugged terrain, but harsh weather conditions, including snow and limited visibility, have hampered efforts.
American consular officials are reportedly coordinating with Japanese authorities. Investigators have reviewed satellite phone logs, which indicate a final ping from Higginbotham’s device late Monday before it went offline. The case has drawn significant attention from international media, with social media posts from concerned followers using the phrase weston higginbotham japan to track updates. Experts urge the public to avoid speculation as the search continues.