The HANDS is a multifaceted support project for elementary and junior high school students from abroad to study and go on to high school in an increasingly globalized local community. It is run by the faculty and students of Utsunomiya University working together with various actors in Tochigi Prefecture. This project has been developed since 2010 oriented towards linking research, education and social contribution of the university.

The Conference for Better Education of Elementary and Junior High School Students from Foreign Countries is held twice a year, composed of education administrators from Tochigi Prefecture and 11 municipalities, as well as headmasters of priority schools for promoting the relevant education, to share experiences and discuss measures for improvement.

Our Multilingual Guidance on High School Entrance provides foreign students and their parents with information and also offers individual advice.

In addition, volunteer students from Utsunomiya University help foreign students at elementary and junior high schools in Tochigi Prefecture by supporting their Japanese language learning process and school curriculum studies.