Not cheating, really awesome.

Definitely not cheating. After a while I'm guessing it can be a little bit like working the wrong muscle, where you might read instead of hearing. But reading is still engagement and very important.

That aside, the ideographic nature of Japanese text makes the sub into pretty nice hints. You won't always be able to read the word, but maybe you know the word has something to do with the symbols, and you're hearing it... I think watching with subs is a good approach!

I've been doing a listen every day challenge with the Wanikani forums community since late August, but I still use JP subs often. I try to focus on a video/anime or watch it without, but I'll do a second run through/replay a clip with subtitles if I didn't know what someone was saying. Maybe try that instead? Don't be ashamed of using subtitles, at least you're not using eng subs!