From 1937 to 1938, Matsuyama was commanding officer of the 19th Independent Defense Battalion. He was transferred to the 2nd Border Defense Unit of the Kwantung Army in 1938, and became commander of an infantry brigade in the IJA 27th Division. In 1941 he was commander of 64th Independent Infantry Group. In August 1939, Matuyama was promoted to lieutenant general.[1]