Rina Sawayama Slams Sabrina Carpenter's SNL Set for Cultural Insensitivity

Rina Sawayama Calls Out Sabrina Carpenter's SNL Set for Cultural Insensitivity In a post-performance critique, Japanese-British pop star Rina Sawayama expressed disappointment with the cultural insensitivity displayed in Sabrina Carpenter's Saturday Night Live (SNL) appearance. During her performance of "Nobodys Son," Carpenter's set was inspired by a karate studio and featured tatami mats, but it fell short of accurately representing Japanese culture. Sawayama, who is known for her own blend of Western and Japanese influences in her music, took to Instagram Stories to share her thoughts on the matter. "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 wrote. The issue at hand was Carpenter's decision to have two red-belt opponents wear sneakers while battling in their uniforms on the tatami mats. Sawayama pointed out that this is a significant cultural faux pas, as shoes are never worn on tatami mats in traditional Japanese settings. "Shoes on tatami is jail," she noted. Carpenter's representatives did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone's request for comment. Sawayama has previously spoken about the importance of cultural representation and accuracy in music and art. As a Japanese-British artist, she has navigated the complexities of blending different cultures in her own work. In an interview with The Guardian, Sawayama discussed the role that pop music played in connecting her with peers at school: "I was this weird, awkward kid who loved J-pop and Britpop... I found my tribe through music." Sawayama's critique has sparked a conversation about cultural sensitivity and representation in the entertainment industry. As Carpenter prepares for future performances, it remains to be seen whether she will take Sawayama's notes to heart. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper research and respect when drawing inspiration from other cultures. As Sawayama so aptly put it, "if we are clearly referencing a culture, please can you do so with the research, respect, and care it deserves." *Reporting by Rollingstone.*