Its call sign was the Summon Division (伝兵団, Ten Heidan).
It was created 4 April 1944 in Sendai to replace 43rd division and disbanded in September 1945 in Fukushima.
The men of the division were drafted through 2nd military district, located in Sendai.
After completing the training with the Eastern District Army,[2] the 72nd division was attached to Japanese Eleventh Area Army from 1 February 1945 and sent to Fukushima.
By the time of surrender of Japan in August 1945, the division was sent again to reinforce positions in Aomori in anticipation of the Allied invasion which never came.