8th Division (Japan)

**8th Division**
8th Division
	8th Division Distinctive Unit Insignia
Active	18 January 1962 – present
Country	Japan
Branch	Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Type	Infantry division
Size	6100 soldiers
Part of	Western Army
Garrison/HQ	Kumamoto
Commanders
Current; commander	Lt. Gen. Shinichi Aoki

The 8th Division (第8師団) is one of nine active divisions of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The division is subordinated to the Western Army and is headquartered in Kumamoto. Its responsibility is the defense of the Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures.

The division was raised on 18 January 1962.

Organization

8th Division, in Kumamoto
- 8th Division HQ, in Kumamoto
- 12th Infantry Regiment, in Kirishima, with 1 × headquarters, four Type 73 armored personnel carrier, and 1 × 120 mm mortar company
- 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment, in Kumamoto, with 1 × headquarters, three Type 96 armored personnel carrier, 1 × Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle, and 1 × 120 mm F1 mortar company
- 43rd Infantry Regiment, in Miyakonojō, with 1 × headquarters, four Type 73 armored personnel carrier, and 1 × 120 mm mortar company
- 8th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, in Kumamoto, with Type 81 and Type 93 surface-to-air missile systems
- 8th Engineer Battalion (Combat), in Satsumasendai
- 8th Signal Battalion, in Kumamoto
- 8th Reconnaissance Company, in Kumamoto, with Type 87 reconnaissance vehicles
- Western Army Ground-to-Ship and Anti-Tank Unit, in Kusu, with 3 × Type 96 multi-purpose missile system platoons (administrative control during peacetime)
- 8th Aviation Squadron, in Mashiki, flying UH-1J and OH-6D helicopters
- 8th NBC Protection Company, in Kumamoto
- Amami Area Security Force, Amami
- 8th Logistic Support Regiment, in Kumamoto
  - 1st Maintenance Battalion
  - 2nd Maintenance Battalion
  - Supply Company
  - Medical Company
  - Transport Company