Sophia Begg Faces Backlash Over Japan Travel Post After TikTok Music Choice Snags Criticism

18 July 2025

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Australian influencer Sophia Begg, also known as Sopha Dopha and followed by over 1.4 million people, intended to share highlights from her first day in Tokyo with an Instagram carousel of ramen bowls, matcha drinks, vending-machine selfies, and candid train rides. Instead, she sparked an unexpected cultural conversation when she paired those images with a Mandarin-language rap track “Blueprint Supreme” by Chinese artist SKAI ISYOURGOD and wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the Japanese word “Suki,” meaning “like” or “love.” Critics were quick to point out the seeming disconnect: one comment that garnered more than 100 likes read, “Girl I love you but please the song isn’t even in Japanese,” while another bluntly stated, “I fear this song is Chinese,” igniting debate over her awareness and intent.

The criticism quickly spread, with followers accusing her of using “Asian culture for aesthetic” without grasping the context. Communications strategist Kriti Gupta, a South Asian woman, emphasized that genuine cultural appreciation must go beyond surface appeal. “Culture isn’t a choice,” she observed, highlighting the importance of thoughtful representation and urging influencers to consider the broader impact their content may have.

Yet not everyone saw malicious intent in Begg’s post. Some defended her, arguing that she was simply embracing the local vibe and expressing appreciation rather than offence. Comments like “it’s not even Japanese” were seen by supporters as honest feedback, not condemnation, with another user writing, “I highly doubt she did it with malicious intent,” and another adding, “I don’t understand why people can’t appreciate other people’s culture, even aesthetically”

The online debate underscores a broader tension faced by influencers traveling abroad: balancing creative freedom with cultural sensitivity. For Instagram and TikTok creators with sizable followings, seemingly minor choices like background music or wardrobe can become lightning rods for cultural conversations. While audiences may be divided on whether she stepped over the line, the takeaway is clear for content creators: the optics of travel content matter, and authenticity often hinges on informed choice.

As of now, Sophia Begg has remained silent on the comments section. Her post remains live, sans explanation or apology, while the discourse around it continues to ripple. The episode serves as a reminder: in a digital world where every element from visuals to audio can influence interpretation, thoughtful curation is no longer optional.