Is it better to find a job through a recruiter or by applying directly? +IT

I’m planning to move to Japan in autumn 2026., the timeline is that long because I need to take care of a few things in my home country and moving with dogs seems to be a lengthy process, so I’d rather take it slow.

Since I still have a little over a year before moving I was wondering if it’s too early to start looking for a job, and that led me to the question: is it better to apply directly through company websites (I’m thinking of international-friendly companies like Mercari, Hennge, or PayPay), to look for job postings (such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed) or to contact recruiters on LinkedIn who might better understand my options/facilitate it?

Pros:

  • I don’t need visa sponsorship (my wife is Japanese)
  • My current company operates internationally
  • I’ve lived in Japan before and have some understanding of the work culture
  • Native in two languages, C2 in English, Certified JLPT N4
  • Master's degree

Cons:

  • My Japanese level is still quite low (at least officially based on certification)
  • Software engineer (mainly frontend with some backend/DevOps knowledge, but I know it’s a relatively in-demand role)
  • Only 4 year of experience by that time

Is it doable on my own, or would a recruiter be the best bet?

Thanks in advance!

by fvckuser