What you need to know
Rina Sawayama wants respect from Sabrina Carpenter’s team after the singer’s recent performance on Saturday Night Live incorporated Japanese traditions.
In a post on Instagram Stories on Sunday, Oct. 19, the singer and actress criticized Carpenter’s creative team for going against tradition by having dancers wear shoes on tatami mats during their performance of “Nobody’s Sun” on the Oct. 18 episode of SNL.
“Big love to Sabrina ❤️ But to the creative team of artists…if we are obviously referencing a culture, could you please do so with the research, respect, and consideration it deserves,” Sawayama, who is Japanese-British, wrote while reposting a clip of Carpenter’s performance to her Instagram Stories.
“Shoes on tatami is prison 😭,” the John Wick 4 star said, referring to the performance.
In a clip of Carpenter’s SNL performance, she is seen singing at the front of the stage wearing a short kimono-style robe and platform heels. Two of her dancers can be seen dancing and brawling behind her on the tatami mats wearing sneakers and martial arts costumes.
Rina Sawayama/Instagram
Tatami is traditionally rooted in ancient Japanese culture and architecture, dating back to the Jomon and Yayoi periods (c. 300 BC). According to Japan Wonder Travel, tatami are made from thin flooring made from woven rushes and are commonly used in traditional Japanese houses.
It is a Japanese custom to take off your shoes and slippers before stepping onto the tatami mat. This is because tatami are often placed in rooms reserved for prayers and cultural ceremonies, so as not to damage the delicate material and maintain a tranquil environment in the space.
Will Heath/NBC via Getty
Never miss a news. Sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to human interest stories.
Carpenter hosted SNL for the first time on Saturday, while also serving as the show’s musical guest.
The “Taste” singer appeared twice on the late-night comedy sketch series, singing his summer hit “Manchild” and “Nobody’s Sun” from his new album “Man’s Best Friend.” During the latter performance, Carpenter uttered the “f-word” while singing without censorship, surprising viewers.
