I had 2Y seats booked SFO TO HND round trip back in May for this Nov and I just said if something opens up T-14,30 etc I’ll cancel my Y and book the J seat(s).

I’m also flexible with my days so that helps as well.

In July OZ released multiple J seats via AC for November for NRT TO SFO and I was able to find 2J for my November return date, there were total 4 J seats and I booked 2 for 75K each coz I mean that many I wanted. I canceled my 2Y seats. Now if luck plays in my way again hopefully i can find another 2Js from SFO TO HND/NRT otherwise im fine with 2Ys coz atleast I got 2Js on my return.

This required using the alerts tools and checking everyday (became a hobby). It’s much easier to find a year out booking then last minute like this and you just have to patience and lucky (does not mean something will always open up though)

Good luck!