We just moved and needed to buy some new kitchenware. You would not believe how difficult it is to find so much as a spoon that is not made in China. Even from any name brand, even in a "fancy" store like Williams-Sonoma.
Thank you. Looking Japanese stuff is a great idea. They are one of the few places to still keep some manufacturing "in-house."
Searching is hard and companies are not always fully transparent about their process. E.g. "Assembled in the USA" for a frying pan could mean that the pan and handle are made in China, but riveted to each other in the USA. Sigh.
For nicer kitchenware, shy away from retail stores in general. Search out brands, find what nice restaurants are using - some fancy restaurants seek out small, artisanal manufacturers for sure.
I remember Jungsik had all dinnerware from Korean artisans. Nice stuff.
Assumption (partly from personal experience) that products may be more likely tainted with unknown or harmful substances for the sake of cost cutting somewhere in the pipeline.
I feel your pain, recalling the last time I moved out. Buying anything on Amazon is a disaster.
Friendly tip. Go to a local supermarket or department store and get what you need there. The item will for sure come from a normal manufacturer/brand and satisfy the local regulations against toxic plastic and stuff, even if it was made and imported from china.
Pretty easy to find this kind of stuff in the UK, e.g. a lot of cutlery used to be made in Sheffield which is near to me and there still seems to be a demand.
