Missing Alabama student, 20, argued with mother about using ChatGPT too much before vanishing during family vacation to Japan

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 16:21, 5 June 2026 | Updated: 16:28, 5 June 2026 The Alabama college student who vanished in Japan amid a disagreement with his parents had been arguing with his mother about her ChatGPT usage, it has emerged. James 'Weston' Higginbotham, 20, disappeared in Kyoto on May 29 after following what his mother Nancy has now called a 'dumb argument.' 'We had an argument because I was using ChatGPT too much to try to help us navigate the trip and find the best restaurants and do this and that,' she told NBC News. Nancy said her son, a biosystems engineering major at Auburn University, adamantly opposes society's ever-growing reliance on AI. 'We try never to use it and I totally agree with him. It was just a dumb, dumb argument to have,' Nancy added. The heartbroken mother said her son appeared 'emotionally distressed' following after their disagreement, but does not think he posed a threat to himself or others. Higginbotham is a 'pacifist,' she explained, claiming that he will 'retreat to himself' when he gets upset. After the argument, the 20-year-old reportedly needed some space and decided to explore Kyoto alone while his family visited a temple.  James 'Weston' Higginbotham was last seen in Kyoto on May 29. His parents have since revealed that the family was 'bickering' before he went off on his own His mother Nancy said her 20-year-old son vanished after they had a 'dumb argument' about her using ChatGPT to help their family 'navigate the trip' His profile on the Life360 app showed that Higginbotham was by a river, visited a few stores, and then boarded a local train before his location went completely dark. He was last seen on surveillance footage getting off a train at the Yamashina Station on Tuesday morning.  Authorities launched a search of the nearby Yamashina Woods on Wednesday. 'It's not unusual for Weston to blow off steam going to the woods and just exploring. That's his happy place,' Nancy told CNN on Thursday. 'I'm thinking ... he's just off in the woods, and he got lost.'  The family, who were visiting Japan to celebrated their younger son's high school graduation, have vowed not the leave the country 'until we find Weston.' Nancy and her husband, Keith, shared a heartbreaking video on social media earlier this week amid the search for their child. The couple on Wednesday thanked everyone who had offered support for their 'thoughts and prayers,' with Nancy adding, 'We truly feel them.' 'We do feel the love and the support that you guys have given us and that the community in Japan has given us as well. James (far right) traveled to the country with his family to celebrate his younger brother's graduation James (left) was described as being 'emotionally distressed' when he went missing 'Every time that you guys repost on social media, it's an opportunity for somebody in Japan to see it,' Nancy continued, explaining that their 'ultimate goal is for people in Japan to see Weston's face so they can report back to us.' The parents encouraged people to continue sharing their posts about Higginbotham on social media as it is a 'chance for somebody in Japan to see it.' 'That's our ultimate goal, for people in Japan to see Weston's face, so that they can report back to us. It's just been instrumental,' Nancy said. 'If you know Weston, you know what a great kid he is. He has a heart of gold, and we all want him to come back safely.' Keith then said that the support they have received on social media thus far has gotten them 'closer and closer to finding him. 'We're confident we're going to find him because of everybody's help and posting, and getting the word out so we can find the person who's gonna find him.' Higginbotham was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic on the back that reads 'Save the Bees', lavender corduroy pants, white Adidas sneakers with black stripes, and a shoulder bag 'with the state of Alabama on it', according to a website that was made to help people search for him. The young man, who is 6ft 1in tall, also has long blonde hair, blue eyes. James was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic on the back that reads 'Save the Bees', lavender corduroy pants, and white Adidas sneakers with black stripes His family and friends have requested that people in the area search hotels, cafes, hostels, train stations, stores, and even the 'deep woods' for their son. Nancy also noted for people not to publicly share her son's location if they locate him, and to instead call local police 'immediately' before messaging her. The website provides multiple contacts to reach out to, including Nancy's personal email and phone number, the number for the Yamashina Police Station, and others. Locals have also been standing at the train station he was last seen at, passing our missing flyers and spreading the word about his disappearance. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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