This study of the general features of occurrence frequencies, spatial distribution of locations, life time and cloud patterns of polar lows over the Japan Sea and the neighboring Northwestern Pacific in winter of 1995/1996 based on observation and satellite data showed that polar lows develop most frequently in mid winter over the Japan Sea (35-45°N ) and the Northwestern Pacific (30-50°N). They rarely form over the Eurasian Continent. Polar lows over the Northwestern Pacific are usually long lived (2-3 days). But polar lows over the Japan Sea are relatively short lived (1-2 days), because the east west width of the Japan Sea is relatively narrow and polar lows tend to decay after their passing over the Japan Islands. Generally speaking, polar lows over the Japan Sea are characterized by tight, spiral (or comma) cloud patterns on satellite images. It was observed that polar lows over the Japan Sea have a typically spiral cloud band with clear “eye” at their mature stage. In winter, because of the effect of the warm Tsushima Current, the annual mean SST of the Japan Sea is 5-9℃ higher than that of the same latitude oceans. The large sea air temperature difference sustained over the Japan Sea provides favorable condition for polar low formation. The general features of polar lows over the Japan Sea are compared with those of other areas where polar lows often occur. This study of the general features of occurrence frequencies, spatial distribution of locations, life time and cloud patterns of polar lows over the Japan Sea and the neighboring Northwestern Pacific in winter of 1995/1996 based on observation and satellite data showed that polar lows develop most frequently in mid winter over the Japan Sea (35-45 ° N) and the Northwestern Pacific (30-50 ° N). They rarely form over the Eurasian Continent. Polar lows over the Northwestern Pacific are usually long lived (2-3 days ) But polar lows over the Japan Sea are relatively short lived (1-2 days), because the east west width of the Japan Sea is relatively narrow and polar lows tend to decay after their passing over the Japan Islands. Generally speaking, polar It was observed that polar lows over the Japan Sea have a typical spiral cloud band with clear “eye” at their mature stage. In winter, because of the effect of the warm Tsushima Current, the annual mean SST of the Japan Sea is 5-9 ℃ higher than that of the same latitude oceans. The large sea air temperature difference sustained over the Japan Sea provide favorable condition for polar low formation. The general features of polar lows over the Japan Sea are compared with those of other of where polar lows often occur.