KYOTO, Japan — Japanese authorities believe it is “highly probable” that 20-year-old James “Weston” Higginbotham, a missing Auburn University student, intentionally separated from his family during a vacation in Kyoto, though they remain concerned for his safety as the search enters its second week.

Higginbotham, a junior majoring in biosystems engineering at Auburn, was last seen on May 29 near Yamashina Station after taking a train alone toward hiking trails in the foothills of Mount Otowa. He had briefly separated from his family following an argument with his mother over her use of ChatGPT for trip planning — a tool he strongly opposed due to environmental concerns related to AI’s resource consumption.

Kyoto Prefectural Police told ABC News that after an intensive initial search involving over 100 officers, helicopters, search dogs, and volunteers, they scaled back formal operations but continue to investigate. His phone location turned off shortly after he left the family, which his mother described as highly unusual.

Weston, a 6’1” avid hiker and solo traveler known for treks like Spain’s Camino de Santiago, was last captured on surveillance footage wearing a white “Save the Bees” T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and carrying an Alabama bag. He is described as having long blond hair and earrings.

His family, who remain in Japan coordinating volunteer searches and a citizen-led effort set to begin June 7, has appealed for public help. A GoFundMe to support the search has raised significant funds. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, described the family as being “in our own living hell” while expressing hope in Weston’s outdoor skills and resilience.

No signs of foul play have been reported, and police are treating the case primarily as a missing person investigation. The U.S. Embassy and FBI are assisting. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities or the family.

The Higginbotham family continues to ask hikers and residents in the Kyoto area to check trails and remote spots for any trace of Weston.