 The "57th division" was initially assigned to direct command of Emperor Hirohito, but was transferred to Northern District Army as soon as it formed 2 December 1940.To participate in the (actually a mobilization for the possible large-scale conflict with the Soviet Union) together with 51st division, the "57th Division" was assigned to the Kwantung Army`s 3rd army on 1 August 1941.The preparations for the war with the Soviet Union were officially cancelled 9 August 1941 though, and "57th division" was reassigned to the 4th army.