Rina Sawayama Criticizes Sabrina Carpenter for Cultural Insensitivity on SNL

Rina Sawayama publicly criticized the creative team behind Sabrina Carpenter's Saturday Night Live performance of "Nobody's Son" for cultural insensitivity, specifically highlighting the inappropriate use of shoes on tatami mats, which is against traditional Japanese customs. Carpenter's performance featured a martial arts dojo-inspired set, with dancers wearing sneakers while on the tatami mats, which Sawayama described as "jail" for disregarding the cultural significance and etiquette associated with tatami. Sawayama emphasized the importance of research, respect, and care when referencing cultural elements in artistic performances. The criticism was made on Instagram Stories, where Sawayama expressed support for Carpenter but called out the oversight in cultural respect. The performance also sparked broader discussion about cultural appropriation and sensitivity in pop culture, with some fans defending Carpenter while others supported Sawayama's call for greater awareness. Representatives for Carpenter and Saturday Night Live have not publicly responded to these concerns.