Melissa Hinako Braden was last seen on March 16, 2006, in Los Angeles when she was 11 months old. She was taken by her non-custodial mother, Ryoko Uchiyama, during a custody dispute; Uchiyama reportedly left the United States for Japan despite a court order to remain and after surrendering her passport. An FBI warrant for Uchiyama’s arrest was issued in May 2006.

Melissa is biracial (Asian and Caucasian) and may go by her middle name Hinako or the nickname Hina. She has several distinctive birthmarks: a reddish mark on the back of her neck and dark marks on her right shoulder and lower back. Authorities believe Uchiyama and Melissa are living in Japan, possibly with Uchiyama’s parents, but Melissa’s exact whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information about Melissa’s location or about Ryoko Uchiyama is asked to contact the FBI or the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.