In December 1943, the division sailed from Moji, with a stop-over in Kaohsiung[1] and in January 1944 landed in Saigon and Singapore.

In June 1944 the 153rd Infantry Regiment was detached to reinforce the 33rd division in the ailing Battle of Imphal and was largely wiped out.

The main body of the division took part in several battles against the Chindits, a large British and Indian long-range penetration force which was operating north of Indaw.

After the attacks on Meiktila were broken off, the remnants of the division attempted to hold a position near Pyawbwe but were overrun by allied tanks.

[3] Finally, after retreating south, the division suffered further heavy casualties to artillery fire and airstrikes in the Battle of the Sittang Bend in July–August 1945.