The 29th division was tasked with the defense of the Liaoyang area in Manchukuo state, as part of the strategic reserve under direct control of the Kwantung Army.
The bulk of the division, comprising the 18th and 38th infantry regiments, was sent to Guam island together with the 48th Independent Mixed Brigade.
On the evening of 25 July 1944 General Takeshi Takashina ordered several banzai charges, all of which were repulsed with the Japanese suffering heavy losses.
Takashina himself was mortally wounded 28 July 1944, and the division ceased to function as an organized unit.
The island of Tinian was protected by 8039-strong Japanese force, including 50th infantry regiment and a 29th tank company.