'Highly probable' that American missing in Japan left intentionally: Police

Days into the search for an American college student missing in Japan, investigators believe it is highly probable that the 20-year-old left his family intentionally, but police remain concerned for his safety, Kyoto Prefectural Police told ABC News.

James "Weston" Higginbotham, a junior at Auburn University in Alabama, went missing on May 29 while in Kyoto on a trip with his family, police said. His parents reported him missing after he stopped responding to their messages and his phone location was turned off.

Authorities expressed concern for his well-being because Higginbotham does not speak Japanese.

Police said investigators have interviewed the family, followed Higginbotham’s movements after he left the hotel, examined items he left behind and reviewed surveillance footage.

A helicopter and K-9 teams have helped with the search in the mountains and hiking trails around Kyoto, police said. The search is expected to continue on Friday, police said.

Higginbotham is a native of Hoover, Alabama, and is majoring in biosystems engineering at Auburn, according to the university and Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis.

Auburn said in a statement, "Our thoughts are with Weston, his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

Derzis said in a statement Wednesday that he's "praying for the swift return of Weston," adding, "We also pray that Keith, Nancy, and the entire Higginbotham family are provided with every resource needed as their efforts to find him continue."

Police said if Higginbotham is found, they will act according to his wishes and privacy.