Search continues for missing American student in Japan

Friends and family members of a missing American college student are continuing to hold out hope as search efforts intensify in Japan.

(CNN)- Friends and family members of a missing American college student are continuing to hold out hope as search efforts intensify in Japan.

Twenty-year-old James Higginbotham, who goes by Weston, disappeared on May 29 while vacationing with family in Kyoto.

According to his mother, Weston left on his own after a disagreement with family members, something she said was not unusual for him. However, she became alarmed when he turned off his location on the Life360 app the family uses to stay connected.

“That was so concerning because it’s so out of character for him,” Nancy Higginbotham said.

“I said something’s not right. Something’s not right. I knew something was wrong.”

Japanese authorities say Weston left Kyoto Station alone around 6 p.m. on May 29.

Investigators say he was last seen about two hours later on surveillance video walking alone in Kyoto’s Yamashina area on a path leading toward a wooded hiking trail.

An extensive search is now underway, with the family saying the FBI is assisting in the effort.

Volunteers from the local community have also joined the search, helping canvass neighborhoods and surrounding areas.

At a gathering supporting the family, Weston’s grandfather, Robert Holt, expressed faith as the search continues.

“God is in control. And with that said, God, please,” Holt said.

Weston’s father, Keith Higginbotham, said the family remains hopeful that he will be found safe.

“I don’t want anybody to think that we’re thinking of him in the past, because we’re not,” he said.

Authorities continue searching for clues as family, friends and volunteers work to bring Weston home.