Missing Female Burgdorf High School Student Last Seen in Japan
Japanese Police Continue Search for Missing American High School Student
A Burgdorf High School student was reported missing June 12th after her family reported her missing to Japanese authorities. Natsumi Hidaka traveled to Japan with her school's exchange program on May 10th and was set to return on July 10th. Hidaka had been staying with her host family and attending a local high school in the town of Higashiagatsuma, Gunma prefecture. As of June 23rd, a search is underway for the missing 15-year-old, and police do not suspect foul play at this time. The Gunma Prefectural Police are leading the investigation into her disappearance.
Efforts to Locate Missing Student
According to Japanese authorities, Hidaka was last seen on June 10th on a surveillance camera in the city of Maebashi. Maebashi is the capital city of Gunma prefecture. Police have no reason to believe she left Japan and continue to conduct an extensive search for her in the area. The Maebashi Police Station has released surveillance camera footage of Hidaka to news outlets, and it has been widely shared online alongside photos of Hidaka. She is described as 5 feet tall, with long black hair and brown eyes.
U.S. Authorities Working with Japanese Police
U.S. authorities are closely following the case and working alongside Japanese police. Japanese authorities have stated they are in regular contact with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo regarding the investigation. The Gunma Prefectural Police have been receiving an overwhelming amount of tips from the public, and they are diligently checking every lead. Following Japanese protocol, no further information is released by officials to the public, such as the identity of the host family or the school Hidaka attended while in Japan. Police state they want to protect Hidaka's privacy and ensure her safe return home.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has confirmed they are aware of the missing student. The embassy is providing assistance to Hidaka's family and is monitoring the investigation closely. The embassy has also asked the Japanese government to keep them updated on any developments in the case. Embassies routinely assist their country's citizens overseas. They offer help with legal issues, medical emergencies, and various private matters.
School Officials Monitoring the Search
Burgdorf High School officials are closely monitoring the situation and have expressed concern for Hidaka's safety. The school has been in contact with Hidaka's family and Japanese authorities. School officials have also offered support to Hidaka's family and classmates.
Hidaka's family has traveled to Japan to assist with the search efforts. Burgdorf High School has set up a website where people can follow updates on the investigation and offer support to the Hidaka family. The website includes a form for submitting tips to the Gunma Prefectural Police.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Natsumi Hidaka is a top priority for the Gunma Prefectural Police. Japanese authorities are doing everything they can to find her and bring her home safely. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo is also providing assistance to Hidaka's family and is monitoring the investigation closely. Burgdorf High School is offering support to Hidaka's family and classmates. Please share this information to spread awareness of Natsumi's disappearance. Your help may be just what is needed to bring her home.
