148th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

The 148th Division was an infantry division of the Imperial Japanese Army. It was formed on July 10, 1945, in Mudanjiang, Manchukuo (present-day China) as part of the late-war emergency expansion of the Japanese military in anticipation of a Soviet invasion.

The division was primarily composed of conscripted soldiers, many of whom were poorly trained and equipped. It was intended to bolster defensive lines in Manchuria against the expected Soviet offensive. Its core personnel were drawn from the 9th Border Guard Unit.

Upon formation, the 148th Division was assigned to the 4th Army under the command of the Kwantung Army. Its primary mission was static defense in the Mudanjiang area.

The division saw limited combat during the Soviet invasion of Manchuria, which began on August 9, 1945. Overwhelmed by the superior Soviet forces, the 148th Division suffered heavy casualties and was largely destroyed during the fighting. Following the surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945, surviving elements of the division surrendered to Soviet forces.