During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Kijima was chief of the Special Operations of the IJA 123rd Infantry Regiment from May 1938.

In August 1940, Kijima was recalled to active status, and posted back as the commanding officer of the 123rd Regiment.

Kijima was promoted to major general in March 1943 and was assigned command of the IJA 17th Infantry Brigade.

In May 1943, the IJA 17th Infantry Brigade came under the command of the Japanese Eighth Area Army in the Japanese-occupied Solomon Islands and New Guinea.

The brigade fought at the Battle of Pearl Ridge during the Bougainville Campaign against the Australian Army, but was defeated on 1 January 1945 after three days.