The extent to which seasonably variable surface fluxes and bottom friction can exert a control on the abyssal circulation above localized bottom topography is analyzed in the Japan Sea region through the use of a three-dimensional eddy-resolving ocean model. Our simulations show that the bottom friction exerts a first-order control on the magnitude of the eddy-driven deep circulation over f/H geostrophic contours, which is inversely dependent on the bottom drag, in accordance with theory. Seasonal surface flux variability acts as a modifier to this theory, depending on the timescale of active forcing relative to bottom friction spin-down time. Possible physical mechanisms for a varying bottom drag coefficient are proposed. Winter ventilation of isopycnals during deep convection is followed by enhanced drain energy to small-scale turbulence and strong energy dissipation in intermediate layers leading to a weakening of deep circulation that contradicts the classic ventilation theory.