The issue of "Orientalism" and "cultural appropriation" is IMO a total non-issue. "Appropriation" often does have a negative connotation of taking for one's personal benefit. But why else would one appropriate anything? The negative part is taking and changing a thing, keeping the label but mutating it into something else. A type of misrepresentation. In many cases I think this is what happened to "chi."
I like traditional Japanese homes, the clean lines and minimalism. If I could, my home would replicate this style, even down to the landscaping. It's pleasing to me. Not because I am pretending to be Japanese. I like Indian food but never thought of identifying as a Hindu, Sikh or Zoroastrian. Hawaiian shirts are popular at times. They are colorful and airy, just right for summer. Is any of this cultural appropriation? I suppose to a point it is, but I don't see it as bad. Rather it's a compliment to the culture. As long as it's not meant to demean or negatively misrepresent the culture I see nothing wrong with it.
Certainly, the entire history of Oriental TMA is built on "appropriation," being modified to fit into the needs of the various cultures from N. China > S. China > Okinawa > Japan > USA/Western culture and Korea. But this whole "appropriation" thing seems to be mainly a "woke-istic" burr up the Western ****. I don't think such a consideration crossed the Japanese psyche when they adopted Western style beds and toilets, not to mention McDonald's. In fact, it's part of the Japanese way to adopt that which is useful, regardless of its origin. I think there's even a specific term for this (a part of kaizen?). Practicality knows no borders.
