Fifty-Fifth Army (Japan)

The Fifty-Fifth Army (第55軍, Dai-gojūgo gun) was a field army of the Imperial Japanese Army during the final stages of World War II.

Formed on April 8, 1945, under the command of the Western District Army as part of the last desperate defense effort by the Empire of Japan to deter potential landings by Allied forces during Operation Downfall (or Operation Olympic). The Fifty-Fifth Army was primarily responsible for the defense of the northern portion of Kyūshū.

It was headquartered in Kumamoto Prefecture. The Fifty-Fifth Army consisted primarily of poorly trained reservists, conscripted students, and home guard militia. It was equipped with a woefully inadequate supply of outdated weapons, training, and logistical support. Many units were armed only with bamboo spears. Despite this, it was intended that they would fight to the death against the invading forces.

Units assigned to the Fifty-Fifth Army included the 146th Infantry Division, the 312th Infantry Division, the 321st Infantry Division, and the 125th Independent Mixed Brigade.

The Fifty-Fifth Army was demobilized at the end of the war with the Surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945.