122nd Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

The 122nd Division was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army. It was formed on March 24, 1945, as part of the 158th series of divisions created as a last-ditch effort to bolster Japan's defenses against the anticipated Allied invasion during World War II.

The division's primary role was homeland defense. Consequently, it was primarily composed of under-trained reserves, conscripted civilians, and students. It was assigned to the Sendai District Army and tasked with the defense of the northern Honshu region of Japan.

The 122nd Division never saw combat as Japan surrendered before the Allied invasion materialized. Following the surrender, the division was demobilized. Its soldiers returned to their civilian lives. Like many of the late-war Japanese divisions formed for homeland defense, the 122nd Division suffered from shortages of equipment, supplies, and experienced personnel, limiting its potential effectiveness had it been engaged in battle. The exact organization and strength of the division at the time of surrender remain somewhat unclear due to the chaotic circumstances of the time and the incomplete preservation of wartime records.