Abstract The long performance database of rakugo and kabuki was totaled, and it is found that few programs are repeated in both genres both have the frequency differential of performance. It is a question whether this repetition becomes the definition of `traditional entertainment', so the long database of takarazuka and sumo performance was totaled, to compare the results. Thinking with the competition and some comments of the persons concerned, we can say that the repetition becomes one of the factors of `traditional entertainment', but not a necessary condition. And, in these days, the rakugo or kabuki programs, which are recognized as 'traditional entertainment', are losing fixation.