Update: NH called me back and agreed to make an exception in this case. I'll be flying out of (and returning to) SJC instead of YVR now. Since I live in SF, this works (SFO would have been even more ideal, but apparently that flight was more booked up, so NH's preference was to put me on the SJC flight).

SJC-NRT is currently scheduled to be operated by a 788 with Business Staggered. Fingers crossed there won't be another equipment sub here.

Lesson learned: Persistence pays off sometimes. Thanks to NH for being accommodating in the end.