I am an American living in Japan, with a japanese alien registration card.

As long as i have all the necessary paperwork/photos, etc.,
is it okay to have someone else apply for me, even if they are not going to china with me?

I have had friends who applied for visas for other people going on the same trip with them, but wanted to make sure it was okay for someone else who isn't a travel agent, or going on the trip to file the application for me.

thanks!