I have to cancel my trip to Japan due to a death in my family. Is there any way I can get a refund/reimbursement from the train lines?

I've been looking at various sites for answers, but I can't find anything reliable. I'm planning on traveling to Japan in April but a member of my family passed away. I'd like to cancel my trip. <br><br>I bought the Japan Rail Pass online and I am scheduled to pick up the ticket in April. I have the "Ordinary" pass that's good for 7, 14 or 21 days. I've paid $250 upfront and will pay another $250 when I pick up the ticket in April. <br><br>I've been in contact with the Japan Rail Pass website and they said I would need to contact the train lines themselves to get my refund. But then they said they would reimburse me. I'm not sure which one is true. <br><br>If I email the train lines (like JR East), they just send me back to the Japan Rail Pass website. <br><br>Has anyone had any experience with this?