We examined the historical development of the performance culture of East Asia, focusing on aerialist acts such as tightrope walking and sotdae riding (pole arts). Change and development were attributed to San-ak-baek-hui (散樂 百戲) spontaneous performance introduced from the West, which influenced the ancient aerialist acts of Korea, China, and Japan as these East Asian countries learned its techniques and developed their own. National efforts to cultivate outstanding performers and create high-quality performances expanded the enjoyment of such form of entertainment from the capitals to the provinces, and from the court to private audiences. Eventually, high-quality performances with their own private audiences became new types of performances that fit their cultures. Although transmission of traditional arts of Korea, China, and Japan is difficult in these modern times, uniqueness and utilization are highlighted in efforts to protect the history and diversity of the performance culture of East Asia–through new renditions of traditional techniques, or through restoration of lost techniques.