The 51st Division (第51師団, Dai-gojūichi Shidan) was an infantry division of the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Base Division (基兵団, Moto Heidan). It was formed on 10 July 1940 at Utsunomiya, Tochigi, simultaneously with 52nd, 54th, 55th, 56th, and 57th divisions. The 51st Division was initially assigned to the Eastern District Army and placed under command of Lieutenant General Kenichiro Ueno.