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List of IJA divisions and divisional-sized formations

List of all divisions and divisional-sized formations of the Imperial Japanese Army.

HQ locations are described with geographical, not political features, save Japan and China with Manchuria, where prefectures/provinces are mentioned to make finding the city easier.

If there were several names of the city in use or then and current place names are different, they all are mentioned. This is especially important for place names in China, where historical and current transliteration of the same name into English can differ greatly.

The Japanese Army (especially IJAAF) liked to give different names to roughly similar formations, not all of this can be adequately represented in English. On the other hand, it had no company-squadron-battery distinctions like Western armies.

Dates for the unit formation or disbandment are according to the date of the appointment or transfer out the first/last unit commander.

If no detailed description is given, the divisional replenishment district or HQ are located in mainland Japan.

Names of replenishment districts changed over time, but their areas and and main garrison cities remained mostly the same during 1925-1945 period.

If no detailed description is given, the division was formed in the parent replenishment district.

The replenishment area, covering whole Manchuria, was officially named “Kwantung Military District”, even though Kwantung (Liaodong) Leased Territory comprised only a small part of it.

Divisions that were largely destroyed by the end of World War 2 are marked in red.

 

Contents:

Infantry divisions
Reserve divisions
Cavalry divisions
Tank divisions
Aviation and airborne divisions
Anti-Aircraft divisions


Infantry divisions

Those were the backbone of the IJA, providing its main fighting power. Note, that majority was formed only during the last year of war.

The Japanese Army infantry division was considered a combined arms formation, so officially there were no “infantry divisions” in the IJA – just “divisions”.

Unit name

Formation date

Replenishment district

Unit code name

HQ location on 1 August 1937

HQ location on 8 December 1941

HQ location on 15 August 1945

Notes

(2nd) Guards Division

24 December 1891

Tokyo

Tokyo

En route from French Indo-China (Cambodia) to Thailand

Medan, Sumatra Island, Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia)

Renamed the 2nd Guards Division 1 June 1943.

1st  Guards Division

10 June 1943

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

Formed from the elements of the Guards Division in Japan.

3rd  Guards Division

6 April 1944

Tokyo

Narito, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

 

1st Division

14 May 1888

Tokyo

Tsitsihar (Qiqihar), Manchuria

Tsitsihar (Qiqihar), Manchuria

Medellin, Cebu Island, Philippines

Renamed from the Tokyo Garrison.

Largely destroyed on Leyte Island by January 1945.

2nd Division

14 May 1888

Sendai

En route from Manchuria to northern China

Sendai

Saigon, French Indo-China (Vietnam)

Renamed from the Sendai Garrison

3rd Division

14 May 1888

Nagoya

En route to Shanghai,China

near Changsha, Hunan Province, China

Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China - en route to Shanghai, China

Renamed from the Nagoya Garrison

4th Division

14 May 1888

Osaka

Manchuria

Central China

Lampang, Thailand

Renamed from the Osaka Garrison

5th Division

14 May 1888

Hiroshima

En route to northern China

Landing in southern Thailand for the capture of Malaya

Piru, Seram Island, Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia)

Renamed from the Hiroshima Garrison

6th Division

14 May 1888

Kumamoto

En route to northern China

near Changsha, Hunan Province, China

southern Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands

Renamed from the Kumamoto Garrison.

Largely destroyed on Bougainville Island by March 1944.

7th Division

12 May 1896

Asahikawa

Asahikawa

Asahikawa

Obihiro, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Formed from the Hokkaido Tondenhei (settler soldiers).

Temporary commander appointed 4 March 1895.

8th Division

1 October 1898

Hirosaki

Hirosaki (planned for move to Manchuria)

Yehe near Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Rodriguez  (Montalban) east of Manila, Luzon Island, Philippines

Part destroyed on Leyte by December 1944. Largely destroyed on Luzon Island by March 1945.

9th Division

1 October 1898

Kanazawa

En route to Shanghai, China

Manchuria

Shinchiku (Hsinchu), Taiwan

 

10th Division

1 October 1898

Himeji

En route to northern China

Kiamusze (Jiamusi), Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Binabakan, Luzon Island, Philippines

Largely destroyed on Luzon Island by March 1945.

11th Division

1 October 1898

Zentsuji

En route to Shanghai,China

Mishan, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Kochi, Kochi Prefecture, Japan

 

12th Division

1 October 1898

Kokura

Donning (Dongning), Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Yehe near Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Guanmiao, Tainan City, Taiwan

 

13th Division

1 April 1905

Takada

Disbanded 1 May 1925.

13th Division (2nd formation)

10 September 1937

Sendai

Central China

Changsha, Hunan Province, China

 

14th Division

6 July 1905

Utsunomiya

En route to northern China

Handagaya(?) near Nomonhan (Khalkhin Gol) River, western Manchuria

Palau Islands

Largely destroyed on Peleliu and Angaur Islands by November 1944.

15th Division

1 April 1905

Toyohashi

Disbanded 1 May 1925.

15th Division (2nd formation)

15 July 1938

Kyoto

Central China

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

 

16th Division

18 July 1905

Kyoto

Kyoto

En route to land at Lamon Bay and Legazpi, Luzon Island, for the capture of  Philippines

Mount Kangipot, Leyte Island, Philippines

Largely destroyed on Leyte Island by January 1945.

17th Division

30 November 1907

 

Okayama

Disbanded 1 May 1925.

17th Division  (2nd formation)

15 July 1938

Himeji

Central China

Rabaul, New Britain Island, Bismarck Islands

 

18th Division

13 November 1907

 

Kurume

Disbanded 1 May 1925

18th Division (2nd formation)

11 September 1937

Kurume

Landing in southern Thailand for the capture of Malaya

Chait (east of Sittang River), Myanmar (Burma)

 

19th Division

1 April 1916

Seishin (Ranam, Chongjin), Korea

Seishin (Ranam, Chongjin), Korea

Seishin (Ranam, Chongjin), Korea

Bugias, northern Luzon, Philippines

Formed in Tokyo for service in Korea.

20th Division

1 April 1919

Keijo (Seoul), Korea

En route to northern China

Keijo (Seoul), Korea

south of Aitape, eastern New Guinea Island

Formed in Yongsan, Keijo (Seoul), Korea.

Largely destroyed on New Guinea Island by May 1945.

21st Division

15 July 1938

Kanazawa

Hanoi, French Indo-China (Vietnam)

Hanoi, French Indo-China (Vietnam)

 

22nd Division

15 July 1938

Sendai

Around Hangchow (Hangzhou), Chekiang (Zhejiang) Province, China

Bangkok, Thailand

 

23rd Division

7 July 1938

Kumamoto

Hailar, Manchuria

Mount Pulag, northern Luzon, Philippines

Formed in Harbin, Manchuria.

Largely destroyed by Soviet-Mongolian forces at Nomonhan (Khalkhin Gol) River, Mongolia by August 1939.

Reconstructed in Manchuria.

Largely destroyed on Luzon Island by June 1945.

24th Division

2 October 1939

Kumamoto

Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Okinawa Island

Formed Donning (Dongning), Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria.

Destroyed on Okinawa Island by June 1945.

25th Division

10 July 1940

Osaka

Linkou near Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Kobayashi, Miyazaki Prefecture

Formed in Donning (Dongning), Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria.

26th Division

5 October 1937

Nagoya

Northern China

Mount Kangipot, Leyte Island, Philippines

Formed in Datong, Shanxi Province, China from the 11th Independent Mixed Brigade.

Largely destroyed on Leyte by January 1945.

The 11th Independent Infantry Regiment was largely destroyed on Luzon by May(?) 1945.

27th Division

15 July 1938

Tokyo

Tientsin (Tianjin), northern China

Ganzhou or Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

Formed in Beiping (Peking, Beijing), China, from the China Garrison Corps (before 26 August 1937 - the China Garrison Mixed Brigade).

28th Division

1 August 1940

Tokyo

Manchuria

Miyakojima, Ryukyu Islands

Formed in Hsinking (Changchun, Xinjing), Manchuria.

29th Division

1 April 1941

Nagoya

Liaoyang, Fengtian (Liaoning) Province, Manchuria

-

Largely destroyed on Guam and Tinian Islands by August 1944.

30th Division

10 June 1943

Heijo (Pyongyang), Korea

Sagunto, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Formed in Heijo (Pyongyang), Korea from the existing infantry regiments, removed from ex 4-regiment divisions.

Largely destroyed on Mindanao Island by July 1945.

31st Division

25 March 1943

Kofu

Hpa-an near Thaton, Burma (Myanmar)

Formed in Bangkok, Thailand from various units, including the Kawaguchi Detachment of the 18th Division.

32nd Division

9 March 1939

Tokyo

Shanxi Province, China

Wasile, Halmahera Island, Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia)

 

33rd Division

9 March 1939

Sendai

Nanking (Nanjing), Jiangsu Province, China

near Thaton, Burma (Myanmar)

 

34th Division

9 March 1939

Osaka

椿

Central China

Jiujiang (Kiukiang) - en route to Nanking (Nanjing), China

 

35th Division

9 March 1939

Tokyo

Northern China

Sorong, western New Guinea Island

The 219th Infantry Regiment was largely destroyed on Noemfoor Island by July 1944.

36th Division

9 March 1939

Hirosaki

Northern China

near Sarmi, western New Guinea Island

The 222nd Infantry Regiment was largely destroyed on Biak Island by August 1944.

37th Division

9 March 1939

Kumamoto

Shanxi Province, China

Bangkok, Thailand - en route to Malaya

 

38th Division

2 October 1939

Nagoya

Near Hong Kong, China

Rabaul, New Britain Island, Bismarck Islands

 

39th Division

2 October 1939

Hiroshima

Yichang (Ichang) City, Hubei Province, China

Siping, Jilin Province, Manchuria

 

40th Division

2 October  1939

Zentsuji

near Changsha, Hunan Province, China

Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

 

41st Division

2 October  1939

Utsunomiya

Shanxi Province, China

Prince Alexander Mountains south of Wewak, eastern New Guinea Island

Largely destroyed on New Guinea Island by May 1945.

42nd Division

10 June 1943

Sendai

Wakkanai, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Formed from the home troops of the 2nd Division and the 62nd Independent Infantry Group.

43rd Division

10 June 1943

Nagoya

Formed from the home troops of the 3rd Division and the 63rd Independent Infantry Group.

Destroyed on Saipan Island by July 1944.

44th Division

6 April 1944

Osaka

Takahama

Formed from the home troops of the 4th Division.

46th Division

10 June 1943

Kumamoto

Kluang, Malaya

Formed from the home troops of the 6th Division and the 66th Independent Infantry Group.

47th Division

10 June  1943

Hirosaki

Wuhan - en route to Jinan (Tsinan),  China

Formed from the home troops of the 57th Division and the 67th Independent Infantry Group.

48th Division

2 December 1940

Taiwan (Formosa)

Takao (Kaohsiung), Kīrun (Keelung), Taiwan (Formosa) and Makō (Magong), Hōko (Penghu) Islands - ready to sail to land on Luzon, Philippines

Timor Island, Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia)

Formed on Hainan Island from the Taiwanese Mixed Brigade and the 47th Infantry Regiment  from the 6th Division.

49th Division

7 January 1944

Keijo (Seoul), Korea

Thaton, Burma (Myanmar)

Formed from the home troops of the 57th Division.

50th Division

10 May 1944

Taiwan (Formosa)

Chaozhou, Pingtung, Taiwan

Formed in Taihoku (Taipei), Taiwan from  the home troops of the 48th Division.

51st Division

1 September  1940

Utsunomiya

Guangdong Province, China (66th Infantry Regiment participated in the Battle of Hong Kong)

south of Wewak, eastern New Guinea Island

Formed from the home troops of the 14th Division.

Largely destroyed in Lae, eastern New Guinea Island by September 1943.

52nd Division

1 October 1940

Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Truk Island, Caroline Islands

Formed from the home troops of the 9th Division.

53rd Division

16 September 1941

Kyoto

Kyoto

East of Sittang River, Myanmar (Burma)

Formed from the home troops of the 16th Division.

54th Division

1 August 1940

Himeji

Himeji

Schwegyin, Myanmar (Burma)

Formed from the home troops of the 10th Division.

55th Division

1 August  1940

Zentsuji

En route to Phnom Penh, French Indo-China (Cambodia)

Phnom Penh, French Indo-China (Cambodia)

Formed from the home troops of the 11th Division.

56th Division

1 August 1940

Kurume

Kurume;

Sakaguchi Detachment en route from Palau Islands to land at Davao, Mindanao Island, for the capture of  Philippines

Kemapyu, Myanmar (Burma)

Formed from the home troops of the 12th Division.

57th Division

1 August  1940

Hirosaki

Shenwutun, Heihe Province (now Heilongjiang Province), Manchuria

Fukuoka

Formed from the home troops of the 8th Division.

58th Division

3 February 1942

Kumamoto

Gui (Guijang) River, eastern Guanxi (Kwangsi) Province, China

Formed in Hankou (Wuhan), China, from the 18th Independent Mixed Brigade.

59th Division

1 April 1942

Tokyo (Kashiwa)

Kanko (Hamhung, Hamheung), Korea

Formed in Tsinan (Jinan), Shandong Province, China from the 10th Independent Mixed Brigade.

60th Division

1 April 1942

Sakura

Soochow (Suzhou), China

Formed around Shanghai, China from the 11th Independent Mixed Brigade.

61st Division

18 March 1943

Tokyo

Shanghai, China

Formed from the 61st Independent Infantry Group.

62nd Division

10 June

1943

Kyoto

-

Formed in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China from parts of the 4h Independent Mixed Brigade and the 6th Independent Mixed Brigade.

Destroyed on Okinawa Island by June 1945.

63rd Division

10 June 1943

Utsunomiya

Mukden (Fengtian, Shenyang), Manchuria

Formed in north China from parts of the 6th Independent Mixed Brigade and the 15th Independent Mixed Brigade and units, formed on the Japanese mainland.

64th Division

10 May 1943

Hiroshima

Xiangyin near Changsha, Hunan Province, China

Formed in Yangzhou (Yangchow), Jiangsu Province, China from the 12th Independent Mixed Brigade and units formed under the Hiroshima Divisional District.

65th Division

10 June 1943

Nagoya

Suchow (Xuzhou), Jiangsu province, China

Formed in Luzhou, Anhui Province, China from the 13th Independent Mixed Brigade and various units formed under the Nagoya Divisional District.

66th Division

14 July 1944

Taiwan

Taihoku (Taipei), Taiwan

Formed in Taihoku (Taipei), Taiwan from the 46th Independent Mixed Brigade.

68th Division

1 April 1942

Osaka

Hengyang, Hunan Province - en route to Changning, Shanghai, China

Formed in Jiujiang (Kiukiang), Kiangsi (Jiangxi) Province, China from the 14th Independent Mixed Brigade.

69th Division

1 April 1942

Hirosaki

Jiading, Shanghai, China

Formed in Linfen, Shanxi Province, China from the 16th Independent Mixed Brigade.

70th Division

1 April 1942

Hiroshima

Hangchow (Hangzhou), Chekiang (Zhejiang) Province, China - en route for Manchuria

Formed in Ningbo, Chekiang (Zhejiang) Province, China from the 20th Independent Mixed Brigade.

71st Division

17 April 1944

Asahikawa

Kagi (Chiayi), Taiwan

Formed in Hunchun, Manchuria from the Hunchun Garrison (mainly the 87th and the 88th Infantry Regiments) and the 140th Infantry Regiment from the 110th Division.

72nd Division

6 April 1944

Sendai

Fukushima, Fukushima Prefecture

Formed from the home troops of the 2nd Division.

73rd Division

8 July 1944

Nagoya

Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture

 

77th Division

1 April 1944

Asahikawa

Kajiki, Kagoshima Prefecture

Formed from the home troops of the 7th Division.

79th Division

20 February 1945

Seishin (Ranam, Chongjin), Korea

Tumen, Jilin Province, Manchuria

Formed Seishin (Ranam, Chongjin), Korea from the home troops of the 19th Division and the 20th Division.

81st Division

6 April 1944

Utsunomiya

Yuki, Ibaraki Prefecture

Formed from the home troops of the 51st Division.

84th Division

8 July 1944

Osaka or Himeji(?)

Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture

Formed in Himeji from part of the home troops of the 54th Division.

86th Division

6 April 1944

Kurume

Coast of ​​Shibushi Bay, Kagoshima Prefecture

Formed from the 56th Division.

88th Division

19 March 1945

Asahikawa

Toyohara, Karafuto (Sakhalin) Island

Formed in Toyohara, Karafuto (Sakhalin) Island from the Karafuto Mixed Brigade.

89th Division

16 March  1945

Asahikawa

Etorofu Island, Chishima (Kuril) Islands

Formed on Etorofu Island from the 43rd Independent Mixed Brigade and the 69th Independent Mixed Brigade.

91st Division

17 April 1944

Asahikawa

Kashiwara, Paramushir Island and Kataoka, Shumshu Island, Chishima (Kuril) Islands

Formed on Paramushir and Shumshu islands from the 1st Kuril Garrison.

93rd Division

8 July 1944

Kanazawa

Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture

Formed from the home troops of the 52nd Division with the addition of personnel and horses from the Army Infantry School, Army Field Artillery School, Army Engineer Training Regiment.

94th Division

16 October 1944

Osaka

威烈

Sungei Patani, Malaya

Formed in Malaya from the 12th Independent Garrison and the 18th Independent Garrison.

96th Division

20 February 1945

Kurume

Saishu (Jeju) Island, Korea

Formed in Keijo (Seoul), Korea mainly from home troops of the 20th Division and the 84th Infantry Group.

100th Division

27 June 1944

Nagoya

Tamugan NW of Davao, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Formed on Mindanao Island, Philippines from the 30th Independent Mixed Brigade and units from Japan.

101st Division

3 September 1937

Tokyo

Disbanded 25 February 1940.

102nd Division

21 June 1944

Kumamoto

Ilihan, northern Cebu Island, Philippines

Formed on Panay and Cebu islands, Philippines from the 31st Independent Mixed Brigade and two infantry battalions and divisional rear units that had been formed in Japan.

103rd Division

21 June 1944

Kumamoto

駿

Mayon Volcano, eastern Luzon Island, Philippines

Formed on Luzon Island, Philippines from the 32nd Independent Mixed Brigade.

Largely destroyed by March 1945.

104th Division

25 June 1938

Osaka

Guangdong Province, China

Chaozhou (Chiuchow, Chaochow) or Haifeng (Hoifung), Guangdong Province, China

 

105th Division

21 June 1944

Hiroshima

Kiangan, north Luzon, Philippines

Formed on southern Luzon Island, Philippines from the 33rd Independent Mixed Brigade.

Largely destroyed by March 1945.

106th Division

16 May 1938

Kumamoto

Disbanded 9 March 1940.

107th Division

19 May 1944

Hirosaki

Yinder (Ondeer, Yinde'er), Manchuria

Formed in Arshan (Arxan), Manchuria from the Arshan Garrison and the 7th Independent Mixed Regiment.

108th Division

26 August 1937

Hirosaki

Disbanded 21 February 1940.

108th Division

(2nd formation)

14 July 1944

Hirosaki

 

Jinxian (Chinhsien, Jinzhou, Chinchow, Linghai), Fengtian (Liaoning) Province, Manchuria

Formed in Jehol (Rehe, Chengde), Jehol (Rehe) Province (now Hebei Province), Manchuria from the 9th Independent Garrison.

109th Division

26 August 1937

Kanazawa

Disbanded 24 December 1939.

109th Division

(2nd formation)

22 May 1944

Kofu Regimental District(?)

Chichijima Island, Ogasawara Islands

Formed with Chichijima Fortress Garrison as its core.

Largely destroyed on Ioto (Iwo Jima) Island by March 1945.

110th Division

18 June 1938

Himeji

Around Beiping (Peking, Beijing)

Luoyang, Henan Province, China

 

111th Division

14 July 1944

Zentsuji

Saishu (Jeju) Island, Korea

Formed in Manchuria from the 9th Independent Garrison and the remnants of the units sent to the south.

112th Division

14 July 1944

Kurume

Hunchun, Jilin Province,  Manchuria

Formed in Hunchun, Jilin Province, Manchuria from the 9th Independent Garrison and the remaining troops of the 28th Division (transferred to Miyakojima, Japan).

114th Division

20 October 1937

Utsunomiya

 

Disbanded 12 August 1939.

114th Division (2nd formation)

14 July 1944

Mizonokuchi Regimental District(?)

Linfen (Pingyang) or Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China

Formed in Linfen (Pingyang), Shanxi Province, China from the 3rd Independent Infantry Brigade and transfers from the 69th Division.

115th Division

14 July 1944

Asahikawa

Yancheng (Luohe), Henan Province, China

Formed in Chengxian County, Henan Province, from the 7th Independent Mixed Brigade.

116th Division

15 May 1938

Kyoto

Central China

Baoqing (Paoking, Shaoyang) or Hengyang, Hunan province, China

 

117th Division

14 July 1944

Tokyo (Kashiwa Regimental District(?))

Dalai (Dalaixiang) north-east of Songyuan - retreating from Taoshan, Jilin Province, Manchuria

Formed in Sinsiang (Xinxiang), Henan Province, China from the 14th Independent Infantry Brigade.

118th Division

14 July 1944

Kyoto

Beiping (Peking, Beijing) or Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China

Formed in Tatung (Datong), Shanxi Province, from the 9th Independent Infantry Brigade.

119th Division

14 October 1944

Tokyo

Hailar, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Formed in Hailar from remaining troops of the 23rd Division (transferred to Philippines) and the 8th Border Garrison.

120th Division

27 November 1944

Zentsuji

邁進

Seoul (Keijo), Korea - en route to the USSR-Korea border after Soviet attack

Formed in Donning (Dongning), Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria from remaining troops of the 12th Division (transferred to Taiwan (Formosa)).

121st Division

20 January 1945

Zentsuji

栄光

Saishu (Jeju) Island, Korea

Formed in Chenggaozi, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria from the remaining troops of the 28th Division (transferred to Miyakojima), the 3rd Horse Artillery Regiment and the Transport Unit of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade.

122nd Division

20 January 1945

Tokyo

舞鶴

Nanhutou south of Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Formed in Xinglong, Mudanjiang, Manchuria from the remaining troops of the 11th Division and the 4th Border Garrison.

123rd Division

20 January 1945

Nagoya

松風

Sunwu, Heihe,  Heilongjiang Province,  Manchuria

Formed in Sunwu, Heihe, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria from the 73rd Independent Mixed Brigade (itself formed from the remaining troops of the 1st Division (transferred to the Philippines)).

124th Division

10 January 1945

Sendai

遠謀

Ning'an (Ning'anxian, Ningguta),

Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Formed in Suiyang, Suiyang County, Mudanjiang Province from the remaining troops of the  8th Division, the 111th Division (transferred to Korea), with the addition of parts of the 1st Border Garrison, 2nd Border Garrison, 11th Border Garrison.

125th Division

20 January 1945

Hiroshima

英機

Tonghua, Tonghua Province (now Jilin Province), Manchuria

Formed at Shenmutun, Heihe Province, Manchuria from the remaining troops of the 57th Division (transferred to Kyushu Island), the 7th Border Garrison and the 13th Border Garrison.

126th Division

20 January 1945

Kumamoto

英断

Yehe near Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Formed in Don'an Province around Mudanjiang, Manchuria from the main forces of the 3rd Border Garrison, the 12th Border Garrison, and troops of the 25th Division, the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, the 11th Border Garrison.

127th Division

20 January 1945

Utsunomiya

英邁

Tumen, Jilin Province, Manchuria

Formed in Jiandao (Chientao, Yanji), Jilin Province, Manchuria from the 9th Border Garrison located in Wujiazi, Manchuria.

128th Division

20 January 1945

Kanazawa

英武

Huapidanzi west of Luozigou, Jilin Province, Manchuria

Formed in Chengzigou, Donning County, Mudanjiang Province from the remaining troops of the 120th Division (transferred to Korea), with the addition of parts of the 1st Border Garrison, the 2nd Border Garrison, the 11th Border Garrison.

129th Division

15 April 1945

Nagano

振武

Shilong, Dongguan City, Guandong Province, China

Formed in southern China from part of the 19th Independent Mixed Brigade and the Harai Unit, a replacement unit dispatched from Japan in January 1945.

130th Division

15 April 1945

Kyoto

鍾馗

Panyu, Guandong Province, China

Formed in southern China from part of the 19th Independent Mixed Brigade and the Namashio Unit, a replacement unit dispatched from Japan in January 1945.

131st Division

20 February 1945

Kanazawa

秋水

Nanchang or             Anqing,  Anhui Province - en route to Shanghai, China

Formed in Xianning near Hankou (Wuhan), China from units of the 27th Division and the 40th Division.

132nd Division

19 March 1945

Osaka

振起

Dangyang, Yichang (Ichang) City, Hubei Province, China

Formed near Yichang, China from units of the 39th Division and the 68th Division.

133rd Division

1 March 1945

Kumamoto

進撃

Hangchow (Hangzhou), Chekiang (Zhejiang) Province, China

Formed in Kweilin (Guilin), Kweichow (Guizhou) Prownice, China from units of the 63rd Division and the 70th Division.

134th Division

16 July 1945

Manchuria

勾玉

Fangzheng, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria - retreating from Kiamusze (Jiamusi), Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Formed in Kiamusze (Jiamusi), Manchuria from the 14th Border Garrison, the 78th Independent Mixed Brigade, and the Tominishiki (Fujin) Garrison.

135th Division

16 July 1945

Manchuria

真心

Yehe near Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

Formed from the 2nd Border Garrison, the 4th Border Garrison, the 46th Logistics Guards, and the 77th Independent Mixed Brigade.

136th Division

16 July 1945

Manchuria

不抜

Mukden (Fengtian, Shenyang), Manchuria

Formed in Haicheng, Anshan, Fengtian (Liaoning) Province, Manchuria from the remaining troops of the 29th Division (transferred to Saipan) and local Japanese conscripts.

137th Division

16 July 1945

Seishin (Ranam, Chongjin), Korea

扶翼

Teihei (Chongpyong, Jeongpyeong), Korea

Formed in Seishin (Ranam, Chongjin), Korea from transferees from the 79th Division and conscripts from Manchuria and Korea.

138th Division

16 July 1945

Manchuria

不動

Fushun,  Fengtian (Liaoning) Province, Manchuria

Formed in Panshi, Jilin Province, Manchuria with personnel transferred from various local units and Japanese men drafted in Manchuria.

139th Division

16 July 1945

Manchuria

不屈

Dunhua  (Dunhwa), Manchuria

Formed Jilin Province, Manchuria from the 77th Logistics Guard Unit, the 79th Logistics Guard Unit, the 80th Logistics Guard Unit and Japanese men drafted in Manchuria.

140th Division

1 April 1945

Tokyo

護東

Katase (Fujisawa),  Kanagawa Prefecture

 

142nd Division

1 April 1945

Sendai

護仙

Yoshioka, Kurokawa District, Miyagi Prefecture

 

143rd Division

1 April 1945

Nagoya

護古

Kiga, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture

 

144th Division

1 April 1945

Osaka

護阪

Cape Shionomisaki, Wakayama Prefecture

 

145th Division

28 February 1945

Hiroshima

護州

Ashiya, Fukuoka Prefecture

 

146th Division

1 April 1945

Kumamoto

護南

Ōkuchi, Kagoshima Prefecture

 

147th Division

1 April 1945

Asahikawa

護北

Mobara, Chiba Prefecture

 

148th Division

16 July 1945

Manchuria

富嶽

Hsinking (Changchun, Xinjing), Manchuria

Formed in Hsinking (Changchun, Xinjing), Jilin Province, Manchuria from the 74th Logistics Guard Units and the 101st Guards Headquarters and Koreans serving in Manchuria.

149th Division

16 July 1945

Manchuria

不撓

Harbin, Manchuria - en route from Tsitsihar (Qiqihar), Manchuria

Formed in Tsitsihar (Qiqihar), Manchuria from the 5th Border Garrison, the 6th Border Garrison, the 7th Border Garrison and local Japanese conscripts.

150th Division

1 April 1945

Keijo (Seoul), Korea

護朝

Seiyū (Jeongeup), Zenrahoku (Jeollabuk) Province,  Korea

Formed in southern Korea.

151st Division

1 April 1945

Utsunomiya

護宇

Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture

 

152nd Division

1 April 1945

Kanazawa

護沢

Choshi, Chiba Prefecture

 

153rd Division

1 April 1945

Kyoto

護京

Ujiyamada (Ise), Mie Prefecture

 

154th Division

31 March 1945

Hiroshima

護路

Saito, Miyazaki Prefecture

 

155th Division

1 April 1945

Zentsuji

護土

Kami and Aki Districts, eastern Kochi Prefecture

 

156th Division

1 April 1945

Kurume

護西

Honjo, Miyazaki Prefecture

 

157th Division

1 April 1945

Hirosaki

護弘

Sanbongi, Aomori Prefecture

 

158th Division

10 August 1945

Manchuria

不滅

Hsinking (Changchun, Xinjing), Manchuria

The last division ordered to be formed in the Army.

Formed from cadets of local officer and NCO schools. No commander was appointed. Never completed formation.

160th Division

1 April 1945

Heijo (Pyongyang), Korea

護鮮

Iksan (Iri), Korea

Formed in southern Korea.

161st Division

15 April 1945

Kumamoto

震天

Nanking (Nanjing), China - en route to Inner Mongolia, northern China

Formed in Shanghai, China.

201st Division

30 April 1945

Tokyo

武蔵

Kunitachi, Tokyo

 

202nd Division

30 April1945

Sendai

青葉

Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture

 

205th Division

30 April 1945

Hiroshima

安芸

Kochi, Kochi Prefecture

 

206th Division

30 April 1945

Kumamoto

阿蘇

Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture

 

209th Division

30 April 1945

Kanazawa

加越

Tsubata, Ishikawa Prefecture

 

212th Division

30 April 1945

Kurume

菊池

Tsuno, Miyazaki Prefecture

 

214th Division

30 April 1945

Utsunomiya

常盤

Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture

 

216th Division

30 April 1945

Kyoto

比叡

Uto, Kumamoto Prefecture

 

221st Division

5 July 1945

Nagano

天龍

Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture

 

222nd Division

1 June 1945

Hirosaki

八甲

Iwate Prefecture

 

224th Division

5 July 1945

Hiroshima

赤穂

Hiroshima

 

225th Division

1 June 1945

Osaka

金剛

Himeji or nearby Tatsuno, Hyogo Prefecture

 

229th Division

2 June 1945

Kanazawa

北越

Tsubata, Ishikawa Prefecture

 

230th Division

1 June 1945

Tokyo

総武

Okayama, Okayama Prefecture

 

231st Division

1 June 1945

Hiroshima

大国

Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi Prefecture,

 

234th Division

5 July 1945

Tokyo

利根

Yokaichi, Chiba Prefecture

 

303rd Division

1 June 1945

Nagoya

高師

Kawauchi, Kagoshima Prefecture

 

308th Division

1 June 1945

Hirosaki

岩木

Noheji, Aomori Prefecture

 

312th Division

1 June 1945

Kurume

千歳

Imari, Saga Prefecture

 

316th Division

5 July 1945

Kyoto

山城

Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture

 

320th Division

1 June 1945

Keijo (Seoul), Korea

宣武

Seoul (Keijo) - en route to Genzan (Wonsan), Korea

Formed in Taikyu (Taegu, Daegu), Korea.

321st Division

1 June 1945

Tokyo

Izu Oshima, Izu Islands (on entrance to Tokyo Bay)

Formed on Izu Oshima, Izu Islands from the 65th Independent Mixed Brigade.

322nd Division

5 July 1945

Sendai

磐梯

Ogawara, Miyagi Prefecture

 

344th Division

1 June 1945

Zentsuji

剣山

Sukumo, Kochi Prefecture

 

351st Division

1 June 1945

Utsunomiya

赤城

Fukuma, Fukuoka Prefecture

 

354th Division

1 June 1945

Tokyo

武甲

Maruyama, Chiba Prefecture

 

355th Division

5 July 1945

Himeji

那智

Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture

 

 

Reserve divisions

Those divisions were formed during the Russo-Japanese War from several previously independent reserve brigades.

Unit name

Formation date

Replenishment district

Notes

1st Reserve Division

13 November 1904

?

Disbanded February 1906

2nd Reserve Division

27 January 1905

?

Disbanded December 1905

 

Cavalry divisions

The only divisional-sized formation of the IJA cavalry was a cavalry group formed for operations in Northern China.

Unit name

Formation date

Replenishment district

Unit code name

HQ location on 1 August 1937

HQ location on 8 December 1941

HQ location on 15 August 1945

Notes

Cavalry Group

21 April 1933

Manchurian Prefecture

?, Manchuria

Baotou, Inner Mongolia(?)

Formed in Manchuria from the 1st Cavalry Brigade and the 4th Cavalry Brigade (the 3rd Cavalry Brigade was added in October 1937(?)).

Reorganized into the 3rd Tank Division 1 December 1942.

 

Tank divisions

Unit name

Formation date

Replenishment district

Unit code name

HQ location on 1 August 1937

HQ location on 8 December 1941

HQ location on 15 August 1945

Notes

1st Tank Division

1 September  1942

Fukuoka

Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Formed in Ning'an (Ning'anxian, Ningguta),

Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria

 with the 1st Tank Brigade as its core.

The 9th Tank Regiment was transferred to Saipan Island, where it was destroyed by July 1944.

1st Tank Division Reconnaissance Unit was reorganized into the 26th Tank Regiment, transferred to the 109th Division, destroyed on Ioto (Iwo Jima) Island by March 1945.

2nd Tank Division

20 September 1942

Osaka

Antipolo east of Manila, central Luzon, Philippines

Formed in Boli (Poli), Heilongjiang Province, Manchuria with the 2nd Tank Brigade as its core.

The 11th Tank Regiment was transferred to the northern Kuril Islands, and fought against the Soviet army (Battle of Shumshu).

Largely destroyed in Luzon by May 1945.

3rd Tank Division

1 December 1942

Narashino (Tokyo(?))

Beiping (Peking, Beijing), China

Formed in Baotou, Inner Mongolia from the HQ of the Cavalry Group, the 1st Cavalry Brigade and the 3rd Cavalry Brigade.

4th Tank Division

8 July 1944

Narashino (Tokyo(?))

Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

Formed in Narashino, Chiba Prefecture, Japan from various training units.

 

 

Aviation and airborne divisions

All divisional-sized formations of the IJA aviation (which included airborne troops as well) are listed here.

Unit name

Formation date

Replenishment district

Unit code name

HQ location on 1 August 1937

HQ location on 8 December 1941

HQ location on 15 August 1945

Notes

1st Air Division

11 January 1943

Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Formed in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture.

2nd Air Division

15 April 1942

Renamed from the 2nd Air Group.

Disbanded 24 May 1945.

3rd Air Division

15 April 1942

Renamed from the 3rd Air Group.

Renamed the 5th Air Army 14 September 1944.

4th Air Division

15 April 1942

South of Bondok, central Luzon Island, Philippines

Renamed from the 4th Air Group.

Largely destroyed in Luzon Island by May 1945.

5th Air Division

15 April 1942

Phnom Penh, French Indo-China (Cambodia)

Renamed from the 5th Air Group.

6th Air Division

26 November 1942

-

Largely destroyed near Hollandia (Jayapura), western New Guinea Island by May 1944.

Disbanded 15 August 1944.

7th Air Division

29 January 1943

Formed Singapore (Shonan), Malaya.

Disbanded 18 July 1945.

8th Air Division

10 June 1944

Taihoku (Taipei), Taiwan

Formed Tokyo.

9th Air Division

11 December 1943

Lahat, Sumatra Island, Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia)

Formed in Palembang, Sumatra Island, Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia)

10th Air Division

9 March 1944

天翔

Tokyo

Formed in Tokyo from the 17th Air Brigade.

11th Air Division

18 July 1944

天鷲

Osaka

Formed Osaka from the 18th Air Brigade.

12th Air Division

18 July 1944

天風

Ozuki air base, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Formed in Ozuki air base from the 19th Air Brigade.

13th Air Division

1 March 1945

隼魁

Nanking (Nanjing), China

 

51st Air Division

20 February 1945

Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Renamed from the 51st Training Air Division.

52nd Air Division

20 February 1945

Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Formed from the Kumagaya Army Flight School.

53rd Air Division

20 February 1945

Keijo (Seoul), Korea

Formed from flight training units in Korea (?).

55th Air Division

11 December 1944

Singapore (Shonan), Malaya

Formed from flight training units in southern Asia (?).

51st Training Air Division

15 April 1942

Renamed the 51st Air Division 20 February 1945.

Tachikawa Instruction Aviation Maintenance Division

20 June 1944

Formed from the Tachikawa Army Aviation Maintenance School (it had no flying elements).

Shimoshizu Training Air Division

20 June 1944

Formed from the Shimoshizu Army Flight School.
Renamed the 5th Instruction Air Unit, Instruction Air Division, 16 July 1945.

Akeno Instruction Air Division

20 June 1944

Formed from the Akeno Army Flight School.
Renamed the  1st Instruction Air Unit, Instruction Air Division, 16 July 1945.

Hitachi Instruction Air Division

20 June 1944

Formed from the Akeno Army Flight School Branch. Renamed the 2nd Instruction Air Unit, Instruction Air Division, 16 July 1945.

Hokota Instruction Air Division

20 June 1944

Formed from the Hokota Army Flight School.  Renamed the 3rd Instruction Air Unit, Instruction Air Division, 16 July 1945.

Hamamatsu Instruction Air Division

20 June 1944

Formed from Hamamatsu Army Flight School. Renamed 4th Instruction Air Unit, Instruction Air Division, 16 July 1945.

Utsunomiya Instruction Air Division

20 June 1944

Formed from the Hakujoshi (Baichengzi) Army Flight School, transferred from Manchuria.
Renamed the 6th Instruction Air Unit, Instruction Air Division, 16 July 1945.

Instruction Air Division

16 July 1945

 

Utsunomiya(?), Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Formed by merging instruction air divisions after separating operational air units from them.

1st Air Group

1 June 1938

 

-

Gifu, Gifu Prefecture

Formed in Tokyo.
Disbanded 15 April 1942.

2nd Air Group

2 August 1937

 

-

Hsinking (Changchun, Xinjing), Manchuria

Renamed from the Kwantung Army Air Group.
Renamed the 2nd Air Division 15 April 1942.

3rd Air Group

1 September 1939

 

-

Phnom Penh, French Indo-China (Cambodia)

Formed Nanking (Nanjing), China.
Renamed the 3rd Air Division 15 April 1942.

4th Air Group

2 February 1942

 

Formed Manchuria.
Renamed the 4th Air Division 15 April 1942.

5th Air Group

1 December 1940

 

Heito (Pingtung), Taiwan

Renamed the 5h Air Division 15 April 1942.

20th Fighter Air Group

10 July 1945

Komaki

 

30th Fighter Air Group

13 October 1944

Kumamoto

 

Kwantung Army Air Group

2 December 1935

 

Hsinking (Changchun, Xinjing), Manchuria

Renamed from the Kwantung Army Air Unit.
Renamed the 2nd Air Group 2 August 1937.

Kwantung Army Air Unit

11 November 1931

 

Formed Heijo (Pyongyang), Korea.
Renamed the Kwantung Army Air Group 2 December 1935.

1st Raiding Group [=Airborne Division]

25 November 1944

central Luzon, Philippines

Formed from the Army Raiding Training Department.
Largely destroyed on Luzon Island by April 1945.

 

Anti-Aircraft divisions

Formed to defend major industrial centers of Japan from air attacks.

Unit name

Formation date

Replenishment district

Unit code name

HQ location on 1 August 1937

HQ location on 8 December 1941

HQ location on 15 August 1945

Notes

1st Anti-Aircraft Division

26 December 1944

Tokyo

Tokyo

Formed from the Eastern Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group.

2nd Anti-Aircraft Division

5 May 1945

Nagoya

Nagoya

Formed from the Nagoya Anti-Aircraft Artillery Unit.

3rd Anti-Aircraft Division

5 May 1945

Osaka

Osaka

 

4th Anti-Aircraft Division

5 May 1945

Kokura

Kokura

Formed from the Western Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group.

Eastern Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group

1 June 1944

Tokyo

 

Formed from the Eastern Air Defense Brigade (formed 19 November 1941).
Renamed 1st Anti-Aircraft Division 26 December 1944.

Central Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group

1 June 1944

Osaka

 

Formed from the Central Air Defense Brigade (formed 19 November 1941).
Renamed 3rd Anti-Aircraft Division 5 May 1945.

Western Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group

1 June 1944

Kokura

 

Formed from the Western Air Defense Brigade (formed 19 November 1941).
Renamed 4th Anti-Aircraft Division 5 May 1945.

Nagoya Anti-Aircraft Artillery Unit

22 August 1944

Nagoya

 

Renamed 2nd Anti-Aircraft Division 5 May 1945.

 


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