Japanese Division Code Names

[Wellgunde]

Taki, thank you very much.
1. 231 Division - Besides 小國神社 (お お くに じんじゃ) in Hammamatsu, Shizuoka, there is also 大國神社 (おくにじんじゃ) in Sendai, and
大國神社 (だいこくじんじゃ) in Toshima Ward, Tokyo. Very confusing.
2. 222 Division - Is there any connection between this division and the units involved in the Hakkou snow march?
3. 316 Division - Is this the Yamashiro you mention: 山城国?

[Akira Takizawa]

1. 231 Division - Besides 小國神社 (お お くに じんじゃ) in Hammamatsu, Shizuoka, there is also 大國神社 (おくにじんじゃ) in Sendai, and
大國神社 (だいこくじんじゃ) in Toshima Ward, Tokyo. Very confusing.

Yes, 大國神社 exists at several places.

2. 222 Division - Is there any connection between this division and the units involved in the Hakkou snow march?

It was formed at 8th Division which was involved in 八甲田雪中行軍遭難事件.

3. 316 Division - Is this the Yamashiro you mention: 山城国?

Yes

Taki

[Wellgunde]

Taki, again, thank you very much.

[wdgysin]

Japanese Division Code Names

IG Div p-43 Tokyo 宮 Miya Palace n structure
1st IG Div 43-45 Tokyo 隅 Sumi Corner
2nd IG Div 43-45 Tokyo 宮 Miya Palace n structure
3rd IG Div 44-45 Tokyo ? ?
1st Div p-45 Tokyo 玉 Tama/Gyoku Ball n item
2nd Div p-45 Sendai 勇 Isamu Courage n attitude
3rd Div p-45 Nagoya 幸 Ko/Sachi/Saiwai Fortune
4th Div p-45 Osaka 淀 Yodo Still water n river
5th Div p-45 Hiroshima 鯉 Koi Carp n fish
6th Div p-45 Kumamoto 明 Akira/Mei Bright n condition
7th Div p-45 Sapporo 熊 Kuma Bear n animal
8th Div p-45 Hirosaki 杉 Sugi Cedar n tree
9th Div p-45 Kanazawa 武 Take/Bu Martial arts
10th Div p-45 Himeji 鉄 Tetsu Iron n metal
11th Div p-45 Zentsuji 錦 Nishiki/Kin Brocade n fabric
12th Div p-45 Kokura 剣 Ken/Tsurogi Sword n weapon
13th Div p-45 Sendai 鏡 Kagami Mirror n item
14th Div p-45 Utsunomiya 照 Teru/Sho Shining n condition
15th Div 38-45 Kyoto 祭 Matsuri/Sai Festival
16th Div p-45 Kyoto 垣 Kaki Fence n structure
17th Div 38-45 Himeji 月 Tsuki/Getsu Month n time
18th Div 38-45 Kurume 菊 Kiku Chrysanthemum n flower
19th Div p-45 Ranam, Ko 虎 Tora Tiger n animal
20th Div p-45 Yongsan, Ko 朝 Asa/Cho Morning n time
21st Div 38-45 Kanazawa 討 To/Utsu Attack n action
22nd Div 38-45 Utsunomiya 原 Hara/Gen Plains n terrain
23rd Div 38-45 Kumamoto 旭 Asahi Sunrise n time
24th Div 39-45 Asahigawa 山 Yama Mountain n terrain
25th Div 40-45 Osaka 国 Kuni/Koku Country n place
26th Div 37-45 Nagoya 泉 Izumi Spring n terrain
27th Div 38-45 Tokyo 極 Gyoku/Kiwame Very? Field? n terrain?
28th Div 40-45 Tokyo 豊 Yutaka/Toyo Rich
29th Div 41-45 Nagoya 雷 Ikazuchi/Kaminari/Rai Thunder n weather
30th Div 43-45 Keijo, Ko 豹 Hyo Leopard n animal

[wdgysin]

Here are the first 30 divisions. The years denote when the division was in existence (p=prewar before 1931). The city
is the depot (Ko=Korea), then follows the kanji, romanji, and english translation. After the n is an attempt to put the
word into a category (fish, animal, river, mountain, etc...).
Sources were Japanese and English Wikipedia (which didn't always agree), Japanese Armed Forces Order of Battle 1937-
1945 Vol I by W Victor Madej. When there is more than one romanji word they come from Madej, which is directly based
on a US Intelligence Document. I will post further as I get the time. Comments are welcome, especially from the Japanese
speakers. Thanks Taki, for all the input so far.

[Wellgunde]

Nice job, Wdgysin. Thank you. As you compile your list, please keep in mind that a kanji by itself is usually read one way, and another, possibly several ways when combined with other kanji. For example, 月 by itself is read tsuki (moon) but is also read as getsu as in 月曜日 (getsuyoubi-Monday) and gatsu as in 一月 (ichigatsu-January).

Also note that many kanji were simplified after World War II. For example, 國 Kuni became 国.

[Akira Takizawa]

The codes are read as follows.

IG Div p-43 Tokyo 宮 Miya Palace n structure
1st IG Div 43-45 Tokyo 隅 Gu Corner
2nd IG Div 43-45 Tokyo 宮 Miya Palace n structure
3rd IG Div 44-45 Tokyo 範 Han Model
1st Div p-45 Tokyo 玉 Tama Ball n item
2nd Div p-45 Sendai 勇 Isamu Courage n attitude
3rd Div p-45 Nagoya 幸 Sachi Fortune
4th Div p-45 Osaka 淀 Yodo Still water n river
5th Div p-45 Hiroshima 鯉 Koi Carp n fish
6th Div p-45 Kumamoto 明 Akira Bright n condition
7th Div p-45 Sapporo 熊 Kuma Bear n animal
8th Div p-45 Hirosaki 杉 Sugi Cedar n tree
9th Div p-45 Kanazawa 武 Take Martial arts
10th Div p-45 Himeji 鉄 Tetsu Iron n metal
11th Div p-45 Zentsuji 錦 Nishiki Brocade n fabric
12th Div p-45 Kokura 剣 Ken Sword n weapon
13th Div p-45 Sendai 鏡 Kagami Mirror n item
14th Div p-45 Utsunomiya 照 Teru Shining n condition
15th Div 38-45 Kyoto 祭 Matsuri Festival
16th Div p-45 Kyoto 垣 Kaki Fence n structure
17th Div 38-45 Himeji 月 Tsuki Month n time
18th Div 38-45 Kurume 菊 Kiku Chrysanthemum n flower
19th Div p-45 Ranam, Ko 虎 Tora Tiger n animal
20th Div p-45 Yongsan, Ko 朝 Asa Morning n time
21st Div 38-45 Kanazawa 討 Utsu Attack n action
22nd Div 38-45 Utsunomiya 原 Hara Plains n terrain
23rd Div 38-45 Kumamoto 旭 Asahi Sunrise n time
24th Div 39-45 Asahigawa 山 Yama Mountain n terrain
25th Div 40-45 Osaka 国 Kuni Country n place
26th Div 37-45 Nagoya 泉 Izumi Spring n terrain
27th Div 38-45 Tokyo 極 Kiwame Very? Field? n terrain?
28th Div 40-45 Tokyo 豊 Toyo Rich
29th Div 41-45 Nagoya 雷 Rai Thunder n weather
30th Div 43-45 Keijo, Ko 豹 Hyo Leopard n animal[

4th Div's 淀 is for 淀川, river in Osaka.
20th Div's 朝 is for 朝鮮(Korea).

Taki

[wdgysin]

Here are the next 30:
31st Div 43-45 Tokyo 烈 Retsu Fierce n attitude
32nd Div 39-45 Tokyo 楓 Kaede/Fu Maple n tree
33rd Div 39-45 Utsunomiya 弓 Yumi Bow n weapon
34th Div 39-45 Osaka 椿 Tsubaki Camellia n flwr plant
35th Div 39-45 Tokyo 東 Azuma East n direction
36th Div 39-45 Hirosaki 雪 Yuki Snow n weather
37th Div 39-45 Kumamoto 冬 Fuyu Winter n season
38th Div 39-45 Nagoya 沼 Numa/Sho Swamp n terrain
39th Div 39-45 Hiroshima 藤 Fuji Wisteria n flwr plant
40th Div 39-45 Zentsuji 鯨 Kujira Whale n mammal
41st Div 39-45 Utsunomiya 河 Kawa River n terrain
42nd Div 43-45 Sendai 勲 Isao/Kun Meritorious n attitude
43rd Div 43-44 Nagoya 誉 Homare/To Honor n attitude
44th Div 44-45 Osaka 橘 Tachibana Mandarin orange n fruit
46th Div 43-45 Kumamoto 静 Sei Quiet n condition
47th Div 43-45 Hirosaki 静 Dan/Hajiku Bullet n weapon
48th Div 40-45 Taihoku, Tw 海 Umi/Kai Sea, Ocean n water
49th Div 44-45 Keijo, Ko 狼 Okami/Ro Wolf n animal
50th Div 44-45 Taihoku, Tw 蓬 Ho/Yomogi Wormwood n plant
51st Div 40-45 Utsunomiya 基 Moto Foundation? n structure
52nd Div 40-45 Kanazawa 柏 Kashiwa Oak n tree
53rd Div 41-45 Kyoto 安 Yasushi Pleasure? n condition
54th Div 40-45 Himeji 兵 Hei/Tsuwamono Soldier n proffesion
55th Div 40-45 Zentsuji 壮 So/Sakan Robust n condition
56th Div 40-45 Kurume 龍 Ryu/Tatsu Dragon n animal
57th Div 40-45 Hirosaki 奥 Oku Heart n anatomy
58th Div 42-45 Kumamoto 広 Hiro/Hiroshi Wide n measurement
59th Div 42-45 Tokyo 衣 Koromo Costume? n ?
60th Div 42-45 Tokyo 矛 Hoko Halberd n weapon

[Wellgunde]

Hello Taki,
Are the code names for the 12th and 13th division connected with the 三種の神器?

[wdgysin]

Thanks again to Wellgunde and Taki for helping with this. Question about this one:
27th Div 38-45 Tokyo 極 Kiwame Very? Field? n terrain?
When I put it in the RomajiDesu translator it comes out with poles as the top meaning. Google gives me
very or quiet. English Wikipedia gives Field. Any guesses? Wellgunde, I've read about these being connected
with 三種の神器 somewhere before and can not remeber the source. Just as the 1st IG Div (隅 Sumi - Corner)
is supposed to represent Hakkō ichiu - eight corners under one roof, the popular slogan during that time.

[Wellgunde]

There are two "on" readings for 極: kyoko: the highest rank, go to extremes, the end, the poles; and goku: very, extremely, most. There are other meanings but I've only included the ones which seem to be most relevant. I think that in the context of a division code name that "the highest rank" seems the most appropriate. We will have to wait on this one for a more informed opinion.

Another reading hint: we are looking for nouns. 極める (きわめる - kiwameru) is an intransitive verb meaning end, terminate, be at an end, reach an extreme.

[Akira Takizawa]

Just as the 1st IG Div (隅 Sumi - Corner)
is supposed to represent Hakkō ichiu - eight corners under one roof, the popular slogan during that time.

It is not read Sumi, but Gu. 隅 usually means corner. But, it is also used as the meaning of good conduct like 廉隅(Rengu). Because it was used as the code of Imperial Guards, it would be this meaning.

Taki

[Akira Takizawa]

Hello Taki,
Are the code names for the 12th and 13th division connected with the 三種の神器?

Probably, so. 玉 of 1st Division will be as well.

Taki

[Akira Takizawa]

31st Div 43-45 Tokyo 烈 Retsu Fierce n attitude
32nd Div 39-45 Tokyo 楓 Kaede Maple n tree
33rd Div 39-45 Utsunomiya 弓 Yumi Bow n weapon
34th Div 39-45 Osaka 椿 Tsubaki Camellia n flwr plant
35th Div 39-45 Tokyo 東 Higashi East n direction
36th Div 39-45 Hirosaki 雪 Yuki Snow n weather
37th Div 39-45 Kumamoto 冬 Fuyu Winter n season
38th Div 39-45 Nagoya 沼 Numa Swamp n terrain
39th Div 39-45 Hiroshima 藤 Fuji Wisteria n flwr plant
40th Div 39-45 Zentsuji 鯨 Kujira Whale n mammal
41st Div 39-45 Utsunomiya 河 Kawa River n terrain
42nd Div 43-45 Sendai 勲 Isao Meritorious n attitude
43rd Div 43-44 Nagoya 誉 Homare Honor n attitude
44th Div 44-45 Osaka 橘 Tachibana Mandarin orange n fruit
46th Div 43-45 Kumamoto 静 Sei Quiet n condition
47th Div 43-45 Hirosaki 弾 Dan Bullet n weapon
48th Div 40-45 Taihoku, Tw 海 Umi Sea, Ocean n water
49th Div 44-45 Keijo, Ko 狼 Ro Wolf n animal
50th Div 44-45 Taihoku, Tw 蓬 Ho Wormwood n plant
51st Div 40-45 Utsunomiya 基 Moto Foundation? n structure
52nd Div 40-45 Kanazawa 柏 Kashiwa Oak n tree
53rd Div 41-45 Kyoto 安 Yasushi Pleasure? n condition
54th Div 40-45 Himeji 兵 Hei Soldier n proffesion
55th Div 40-45 Zentsuji 壮 So Robust n condition
56th Div 40-45 Kurume 龍 Tatsu Dragon n animal
57th Div 40-45 Hirosaki 奥 Oku Heart n anatomy
58th Div 42-45 Kumamoto 広 Hiroshi Wide n measurement
59th Div 42-45 Tokyo 衣 Koromo Costume? n ?
60th Div 42-45 Tokyo 矛 Hoko Halberd n weapon

Taki

[wdgysin]

The next batch:
61st Div 43-45 Tokyo 鵄 Tobi Jump n action
62nd Div 43-45 Kyoto 石 Ishi/Seki Stone n terrain
63rd Div 43-45 Utsunomiya 陣 Jin Camp n structure
64th Div 43-45 Hiroshima 開 Hiraku/Kai Open n action
65th Div 43-45 Nagoya 専 Sen/Moppara Specialty n ?
66th Div 44-45 Taihoku, Tw 敢 Kan Dare n action
68th Div 42-45 Osaka 檜 Hinoki Ja Cypress n tree
69th Div 42-45 Hirosaki 勝 Katsu Victory n condition
70th Div 42-45 Hiroshima 槍 Yari Spear n weapon
71st Div 42-45 Asahigawa 命 Inochi/Mykoto Fate, Life n condition
72nd Div 44-45 Sendai 伝 Den/Tsutau Transmit n action
73rd Div 44-45 Nagoya 怒 Ika/Ketsu Anger n condition
77th Div 44-45 Asahigawa 稔 Minoru/Nen Harvest n action
79th Div 45-45 Ranan, Ko 奏 So Play music n action
81st Div 44-45 Utsunomiya 納 No/Osamu Settlement n action
84th Div 44-45 Himeji 突 Totsu/Tsuku Stab, Thrust n action
86th Div 44-45 Kurume 積 Seki/Tsumu Volume n measurement
88th Div 45 Asahigawa? 要 Yo/Kaname Need n condition
89th Div 45 Asahigawa 摧 Sai Break n action
91st Div 44-45 Asahigawa 先 Saki/Sen Before n time
93rd Div 44-45 Kanazawa 決 Ketsu Decide n action
94th Div 44-45 Osaka 威烈 Iretsu Fierce n condition
96th Div 45 Kurume 玄 Gen Mysterious n condition
100th Div 44-45 Nagoya 拠 Kyo/Yoru Foothold n ?
101st Div 37-40 Tokyo pre 1940 – no code name
102nd Div 44-45 Kumamoto 抜 Batsu/Nuku Withdraw n action
103rd Div 44-45 Kumamoto 駿 Shun Steed n animal
104th Div 38-45 Osaka 鳳 Otori/Ho Male phoenix n bird
105th Div 44-45 Hiroshima 勤 Kin/Tsutome Dilligence n condition
106th Div 38-40 Kumamoto pre 1940 – no code name