About JD’s Legacy Kitchen
A journey of survival, soul, and flavor — from the Bronx to Tokyo.
The Story Behind the Flavor
My name is James “JD” Durant — musician, cook, author, and survivor. I built JD’s Legacy Kitchen during the hardest chapters of my life: recovering from kidney cancer, healing from a stroke, and rebuilding my body through food that worked for me, not against me.
Living in Japan changed my relationship with cooking. I learned discipline, balance, low-sodium techniques, and the importance of intentional flavor. Nothing here is trendy or fake — this is real cooking that kept me alive.
Every recipe, every sauce, every seasoning you see on this site carries a piece of my journey — my Bronx roots, my life in Tokyo, and my fight to survive and stay strong.
The Mission
JD’s Legacy Kitchen is about survival, truth, and intentional living. It’s about cooking that respects the body, honors the spirit, and carries the warmth of every person who ever sat at my table.
My goal is simple: feed people real food with real flavor — and help them live long enough to enjoy it.
Meet JD
Chef • Survivor • Author • Bronx Native • Tokyo Resident
Who I Am
My name is James “JD” Durant. I'm a musician, author, chef, creator, and survivor — born in the Bronx, raised by rhythm, and rebuilt through flavor.
After surviving kidney cancer and a stroke, I rebuilt myself in the kitchen. Cooking became more than food — it became medicine, healing, therapy, and discipline.
I've lived in Japan for over 30 years, and this country transformed the way I cook. Here, I learned balance, precision, and flavor without excess. I learned to cook intentionally — with soul and with purpose.
Why I Started JD’s Legacy Kitchen
JD’s Legacy Kitchen is a reflection of everything I’ve lived through — my struggles, my music, my travels, my survival, and my commitment to real, honest cooking.
I wanted to create a place where flavor meets health… where soul food meets discipline… where my story meets the plate.
Every sauce, every seasoning, every recipe is built with intention: to taste good, to feel good, and to help people live long enough to enjoy the life they’re fighting for.
My Mission
To feed people with truth, soul, and purpose. To show that cooking can heal — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. To prove you can create incredible flavor without destroying your body. To leave a legacy of resilience through food, music, and story.