Returned to China in the aftermath of the Mukden Incident in 1931, the division participated in the Defense of the Great Wall in 1933 (being the attacking force in the confrontation), to expand and secure the western flank of the newly formed Manchukuo state.

On 14 February 1938, the 6th Division was subordinated to the Central China Expeditionary Army and in May 1938 entered the Battle of Xuzhou.

Although initially used for the Guadalcanal Campaign, it was ordered by Imperial General Headquarters in 1943 to transfer to the southern part of the Bougainville Island.

In March 1944, the division took part in a large-scale counterattack aimed at capturing the Allied perimeter around Torokina.

The parts of division cornered in the Buin district of New Guinea suffered heavily from the loss of supplies and food.