Major-General Shizuo Sakaguchi was promoted to rank of Major-General in August 1938.
He became a brigade commander and commanded 12th Brigade in September 1939. He was commanding general infantry group of 56th Division since November 1941 (Infantry Group Commander of 56th Division- Sakaguchi Detachment) and took part in Dutch East Indies Campaign.
He became commander of "Zentsuji Division" in June 1943, with promotion to rank of Lt-General.
He was a Commander of 65th Division in August 1944, attached to Western District Army Command in March 1945 and finally placed on reserve list in April 1945.