The 7th Division was formed in Sapporo, Hokkaidō on 12 May 1888, as the first new infantry division formed by the reorganization of the Imperial Japanese Army from six regional commands to a divisional command structure. The reorganization was recommended by Prussian military advisor Jakob Meckel. It was responsible for the defence of Hokkaidō, which it divided into four operational areas (Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa and Kushiro).
The 7th Division originated in Sapporo, Hokkaidō on 12 May 1888, as the first new infantry division created by reorganizing the Imperial Japanese Army from six regional commands into a divisional system. This reform was proposed by Prussian military expert Jakob Meckel. It safeguarded Hokkaidō, which it split into four operational regions (Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, and Kushiro).