Twenty-First Army (Japan)

The Twenty-First Army was a field army of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. It was formed on February 6, 1941, under the Southern Army, primarily tasked with garrison duties in occupied areas of southern China following the initial stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

The Twenty-First Army's main area of operations included Guangdong Province, and its headquarters were initially located in Canton (Guangzhou). It was responsible for maintaining order, suppressing resistance movements, and securing vital resources in the region.

The army’s organization and subordinate units fluctuated throughout the war. It generally consisted of several infantry divisions and independent brigades. Its forces were involved in numerous counter-insurgency operations against Chinese guerilla forces.

As the war progressed, the Twenty-First Army faced increasing pressure from Allied forces and the strengthening Chinese resistance. Following Japan's surrender in August 1945, the Twenty-First Army surrendered to Nationalist Chinese forces in the Canton area.