The division was deployed to China in May 1939 to perform rear area security duties in the Second Sino-Japanese War.
After reorganization, the division was assigned to the 12th army, and participated in the mop-up operations in the Taihang Mountains.
The divisional headquarters also sailed with the 219th Regiment, but was to trans-ship at Palau and continue to New Guinea.
[6] The 219th regiment was also successfully transferred to New Guinea, though a battalion was left behind to garrison the St. Andrew Strait.
[7] The Japanese forces retreated to a final defensive perimeter around Sorong in May 1945, where they thrived until the surrender of Japan on 15 August 1945, thanks to abundant local supplies of Sago-derived foodstuffs.