American student vanishes in Kyoto's forests after family dispute over AI

A 20-year-old American student has gone missing in the forests near Kyoto, Japan. Weston Higginbotham, who studies biosystems engineering at Auburn University, was last seen at Kyoto train station on Friday before entering a mountainous area. The search for Higginbotham is now in its seventh day. Japanese police, along with search dogs and helicopters, have been combing through waist-high mud in the rugged terrain near Yamashina. Food sources in the area are scarce, raising concerns about his condition.

Higginbotham reportedly walked away from his parents after an argument over ChatGPT. Known for his strong views on sustainable design, he has openly criticised the world’s growing dependence on AI. His family has expressed trust in Japanese authorities, praising their professionalism and dedication in the ongoing search efforts.

The operation continues as teams navigate difficult conditions. Authorities remain focused on locating Higginbotham in the dense forest. His family and university community await updates as the search presses on.