In the reorganization prior to World War II, the 29th Infantry Regiment (raised in Wakamatsu) was added.

Some of its more noteworthy commanders included Sakuma Samata, Nogi Maresuke, Nishi Kanjiro, HIH Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko, and Umezu Yoshijiro.

Later in 1939, the 2nd Division was under 3rd Army which was facing the southern half of the border of the Maritime province of the Soviet Union from Korea northward.

The Battle for Henderson Field which started 24 October 1942, resulted in crippling losses for the division as all Japanese attacks were repulsed.

After performing coastal duties in Arakan the division was reassigned directly to Burma Area Army in May.

Its remnants were assigned to the Japanese 38th Army in French Indochina, and disbanded at the end of World War II in Saigon.