The men of the 54th division were recruited from Hyōgo, Okayama and Tottori prefectures.

The bulk of the division had sailed from Moji onboard the ship "Miike Maru", together with the 30th Independent Mixed Brigade.

The 54th Division remained in the Arakan region of Burma during the Battle of the Admin Box in February 1944.

During the Battle of the Sittang Bend in July-August 1945, it suffered over 50% losses from enemy shellfire, air raids, cholera and dysentery.

At the surrender of Japan on 15 August 1945 the 54th division was situated on the eastern coasts of the Sittaung River.