CNN’s Hanako Montgomery reports on the frantic search for a missing American in Japan | CNN

CNN’s Hanako Montgomery reports on the frantic search for a missing American in Japan

Updated 10:40 AM EDT, Thu June 4, 2026

<p>Nancy Higginbotham wasn’t worried when her 20-year-old son got on a train by himself during their family vacation in Japan. James, who goes by “Weston,” is an experienced traveler and often goes exploring alone. But when his phone’s location turned off, she knew something was wrong. </p><p>The Alabama family had been traveling in Japan for a week by then. But travel frictions arose: Weston, a passionate naturalist, argued with his mother over her use of ChatGPT for navigating. Needing some space, he decided to explore Kyoto on his own while the rest of the family visited a nearby temple, his mother says. </p>

CNN's Hanako Montgomery reports on the frantic search for a missing American in Japan

Nancy Higginbotham wasn’t worried when her 20-year-old son got on a train by himself during their family vacation in Japan. James, who goes by “Weston,” is an experienced traveler and often goes exploring alone. But when his phone’s location turned off, she knew something was wrong.

The Alabama family had been traveling in Japan for a week by then. But travel frictions arose: Weston, a passionate naturalist, argued with his mother over her use of ChatGPT for navigating. Needing some space, he decided to explore Kyoto on his own while the rest of the family visited a nearby temple, his mother says.

2:07 • Source: CNN

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<p>Nancy Higginbotham wasn’t worried when her 20-year-old son got on a train by himself during their family vacation in Japan. James, who goes by “Weston,” is an experienced traveler and often goes exploring alone. But when his phone’s location turned off, she knew something was wrong. </p><p>The Alabama family had been traveling in Japan for a week by then. But travel frictions arose: Weston, a passionate naturalist, argued with his mother over her use of ChatGPT for navigating. Needing some space, he decided to explore Kyoto on his own while the rest of the family visited a nearby temple, his mother says. </p>

CNN's Hanako Montgomery reports on the frantic search for a missing American in Japan

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