Japanese-British artist Rina Sawayama has voiced concerns over cultural insensitivity following Sabrina Carpenter’s recent performance on Saturday Night Live.

The Controversial Performance

October 21, 2025: Carpenter, who both hosted and performed on the show, staged her song “Nobody’s Son” with a set inspired by a Japanese dojo. She wore a sparkling kimono-style robe, while dancers donned karate gis and sneakers, performing on traditional tatami mats.

Sawayama Speaks Out

Sawayama took to Instagram to express her disapproval, stating:

“Big love to Sabrina, but fellow artists’ creative teams… if we are clearly referencing a culture, please can you do so with the research, respect, and care it deserves.”

She emphasized the importance of cultural accuracy, particularly highlighting the disrespect of wearing shoes on tatami mats, a significant cultural faux pas in Japanese tradition.

The Broader Conversation

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about cultural appropriation and the responsibilities of artists and their teams when incorporating elements from other cultures into their work. While Carpenter has not publicly responded to Sawayama’s comments, the situation underscores the need for greater cultural sensitivity and awareness in the entertainment industry.