Its call sign was the Essential Division (要兵団, Kaname Heidan).
The Soviet forces started the attack by shelling Poronaysk (Sisukacho) town 9 August 1945.
Japanese forces lost 568 men killed, and an estimated over one thousand deaths plus several dozens tanks in return.
Although the division have received an order to surrender after losing Poronaysk (Sisukacho) town 22 August 1945, negotiations with the Soviets broke down for some time.
[citation needed] Overall, 18,320 soldiers of the 88th division and Koton Fortified Region were taken prisoner.