The 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 1x headquarters, four Type 73 armored personnel carrier, and 1x 120mm mortar company 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment, in Kumamoto, with 1x headquarters, three Type 96 armored personnel carrier, 1x Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle, and 1x 120mm F1 mortar company 43rd Infantry Regiment, in Miyakonojō, with 1x headquarters, four Type 73 armored personnel carrier, and 1x 120mm 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 armored reconnaissance vehicles Western Army Ground-to-Ship and Anti-Tank Unit, in Kusu, with 3x 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 References External links Homepage 8th Division (Japanese) Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Division Military units and formations established in 1962