In a powerful statement, pop star Rina Sawayama took to Instagram to call out the creative team behind Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ debut, asserting ‘shoes on tatami is jail’ and demanding greater cultural research and respect for Japanese traditions.
The highly anticipated debut of pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter as host and musical guest on NBC’s iconic sketch comedy series, ‘Saturday Night Live,’ on October 18, 2025, was met with widespread attention. While Carpenter’s comedic timing and musical performances, including her acclaimed track “Manchild” and “Nobody’s Son,” garnered praise, one particular segment sparked significant cultural dialogue initiated by critically acclaimed musician Rina Sawayama.
The Incident: Shoes on Sacred Tatami Mats
During her performance of “Nobody’s Son,” 26-year-old Sabrina Carpenter appeared in a martial arts studio-inspired set, complete with traditional Japanese tatami mats. Behind her, background dancers performed a mock fight while notably wearing sneakers. This visual detail immediately caught the attention of Rina Sawayama, the 35-year-old Japanese-British artist known for her albums Sawayama and Hold the Girl.
Sawayama quickly took to Instagram Stories to share her critique, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect. “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, as reported by Billboard. She concluded her message with a blunt, memorable statement: “Shoes on tatami is jail.”
Understanding Tatami: A Deep Dive into Japanese Custom
For those unfamiliar with Japanese traditions, the act of wearing shoes on tatami mats is considered a significant cultural misstep. Tatami mats are a quintessential element of traditional Japanese architecture and interior design, with roots tracing back to the ancient Jōmon and Yayoi periods (c. 300 BC). These meticulously crafted floor coverings are made from woven igusa plant material and are commonly found in traditional Japanese homes, martial arts dojos, and spaces designated for prayer or cultural rituals.
The custom of removing shoes and slippers before stepping onto tatami mats is deeply ingrained in Japanese etiquette. This practice serves multiple purposes:
- Preservation: It prevents damage to the delicate woven material of the tatami.
- Cleanliness: It maintains the cleanliness of indoor spaces, especially those where people sit or sleep directly on the floor.
- Respect: It honors the sanctity and peaceful atmosphere of the space, particularly in areas used for meditation or spiritual practices.
As noted by Japan Wonder Travel, observing this custom is a sign of respect for Japanese culture and tradition.
A Broader Conversation: Cultural Sensitivity in Pop Culture
Rina Sawayama’s critique extends beyond Sabrina Carpenter’s performance, serving as a reminder to creative teams across the entertainment industry about the importance of thorough cultural research and consultation when incorporating elements from other cultures. This incident highlights a recurring conversation in pop music about cultural representation and appropriation, a dialogue that has seen artists and audiences alike become increasingly vocal about respectful engagement.
Sawayama herself has previously shared how pop music helped her connect with peers after her family immigrated to London from Japan, drawing inspiration from icons like Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga. While the discussion around cultural referencing can be complex, Sawayama’s point emphasizes that genuine appreciation requires meticulous care and understanding of the traditions being honored.
Sabrina Carpenter’s SNL Experience Beyond the Controversy
Despite the cultural critique, Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘SNL’ appearance marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, coinciding with the success of her latest album, Man’s Best Friend. Her dual role as host and musical guest showcased her versatility and undeniable talent. Beyond her musical performances, Carpenter also engaged in various sketches, bringing a vibrant energy to the show.
During her opening monologue, Carpenter humorously addressed the viral controversy surrounding her album cover for Man’s Best Friend, which depicted her on her hands and knees with her hair gripped by an unseen figure. She cleverly quipped, explaining that the image was simply cropped and, if zoomed out, would reveal “Bowen [Yang] helping me up by the hair after Martin Short shoved me out of the buffet line, saying something like ‘Daddy needs his mini-quiche.’” This moment demonstrated her ability to address public scrutiny with wit and self-awareness.
The Path Forward: Learning and Respect
The dialogue sparked by Rina Sawayama’s comments underscores a crucial lesson for the entertainment industry: while creative expression can draw from global influences, it must be balanced with deep respect and accurate representation of cultural traditions. This incident serves as a valuable learning opportunity, encouraging artists and their creative teams to prioritize research and cultural consultation to ensure that references are not just visually appealing but also culturally sensitive and authentic. As audiences become increasingly globally aware, the demand for thoughtful and informed cultural portrayals in mainstream media will only continue to grow.
