Old Student Visa that I never used

I was supposed to study abroad in Japan during COVID and was issued a student visa prior to my trip. However, I never used it because the program got cancelled. I am graduated now and will be visiting Japan as a tourist in April. According to JR guidelines, it says those issued a student visa are not eligible for the pass, but is there an exception for people in my situation? I want to avoid tearing out a page in my passport.

Thank you.