Sabrina Carpenter’s weekend appearance on Saturday Night Live was meant to be a celebration, but one moment quickly turned it into a cultural flashpoint.

The pop star performed her song Nobody’s Son in a dojo-inspired setting, wearing a white robe and black belt.

But Japanese singer Rina Sawayama noticed a key detail others missed. The song’s performers, especially Carpenter’s backup dancers, kept their shoes on while dancing on a tatami mat.

Sawayama called for “research, respect, and care” following Carpenter’s SNL performance

Shortly after the episode aired, Sawayama took to Instagram to voice her take on the Espresso singer’s SNL appearance.

“Big love to Sabrina but fellow artists’ creative teams… if we are clearly referencing a culture, please can you do so with the research, res

See Full Page