The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating 68-year-old Mariko Yamagami, who was last seen in Los Angeles on Thursday morning.
Yamagami suffers from dementia, according to police, prompting concerns about her safety and whereabouts. Her family and friends are seeking assistance from anyone who may have seen her or has information that could help investigators locate her.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the LAPD, Yamagami was last seen on August 13, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m.
She was reportedly seen near the 6600 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, heading southbound.
The department issued a Silver Alert as investigators worked to locate her.
Police described Yamagami as a 68-year-old Japanese woman with gray hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.
She has a medium build and light complexion.
At the time she was last seen, Yamagami was wearing a gray shirt, black pants and white shoes.
The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have not been fully disclosed. Police have not indicated where Yamagami may have been headed or whether she was traveling on foot or using another form of transportation.
WHY IT MATTERS
Yamagami's dementia makes the search especially urgent because she may become disoriented or have difficulty communicating her location.
A person experiencing cognitive impairment may also unintentionally travel farther from their last known location, making early public awareness particularly important.
The LAPD is therefore asking residents, motorists, businesses and anyone who may have been in the Topanga Canyon area to remain alert for someone matching Yamagami's description.
Police are urging people who believe they have spotted her to contact authorities rather than attempting to handle the situation themselves.
The department's request for assistance also underscores the importance of quickly sharing accurate information during a missing-person investigation.
WHAT THE LAPD IS ASKING THE PUBLIC TO DO
Anyone who has seen Yamagami or has information about where she may be should contact LAPD Topanga Division at (818) 756-4800.
If she is located or someone encounters her and believes she may be in immediate danger, police advise calling 911.
During non-business hours or weekends, the LAPD can be reached at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
The department also provides an anonymous reporting option through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).
Police have not indicated that members of the public should approach Yamagami if she appears confused or distressed. Instead, anyone who believes they have located her can provide her location to authorities so officers can respond.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The last confirmed information provided by police places Yamagami near the 6600 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard at approximately 6:40 a.m. on August 13.
Her reported direction of travel was southbound.
The LAPD's description provides several identifying characteristics that could help members of the public recognize her, including her height, weight, clothing, gray hair and brown eyes.
Police have not publicly released information indicating that Yamagami was injured or that foul play was involved.
The department also has not provided information about a vehicle associated with her disappearance.
Investigators may use additional information from witnesses, surveillance cameras or other sources as the search continues.
A SKEPTICAL VIEW
While the Silver Alert and police request indicate that authorities are seriously concerned about Yamagami's safety, the information currently available does not establish what happened after she was last seen. There is no publicly released evidence in the initial notice indicating that she was abducted, injured or the victim of a crime. Her disappearance could involve disorientation or an unplanned change in direction, but investigators will need additional information to determine where she went and what circumstances led to her being reported missing.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
LAPD investigators are expected to continue working to determine Yamagami's whereabouts and reconstruct her movements after she was last seen.
Authorities may review available surveillance footage from the surrounding area and speak with anyone who may have encountered her.
Residents and businesses along Topanga Canyon Boulevard and surrounding neighborhoods may also be able to provide useful information if they saw someone matching Yamagami's description.
The LAPD is asking anyone with information to report it as soon as possible.
A timely tip could help investigators narrow the search area and determine where Yamagami may have traveled after she was last seen.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where Yamagami went after she was last seen.
- Whether she was traveling alone.
- Whether she was walking or using another form of transportation.
- Whether anyone has had contact with her since August 13.
- Whether surveillance cameras captured her movements.
- Whether she traveled outside the immediate Topanga Canyon area.
- Whether she may have sought assistance from a business or other public location.
- What circumstances led to her disappearance.
MISSING PERSON DESCRIPTION
Name: Mariko Yamagami Age: 68 Sex: Female Ethnicity: Japanese Hair: Gray Eyes: Brown Height: Approximately 5 feet 6 inches Weight: Approximately 160 pounds Build: Medium Complexion: Light Last known clothing: Gray shirt, black pants and white shoes Last seen: August 13, 2026, around 6:40 a.m. Last known location: 6600 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard Direction of travel: Southbound
HOW TO PROVIDE INFORMATION
Anyone who has seen Mariko Yamagami or has information regarding her whereabouts should contact LAPD Topanga Division at (818) 756-4800 or call 911.
During non-business hours or weekends, contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).
Anyone who believes they have information that could help locate Yamagami is encouraged to contact authorities promptly.