Japanese Entry Permit Application Process

Dear Consular Office​,

I am an American citizen who is wanting to apply for a student type entry permit to Japan. I am currently working on an application to a school in Japan which starts in August. I was wondering if I would be able to apply for this while not in the U.S. but in China on another student type entry permit. I am studying at a North China Electric Power University in Beijing from March 1st to July 15th. I will also be visiting Tokyo, Japan starting July 17th for about a few weeks before classes start in August.

My question is, can I apply for the student visa in Beijing or Tokyo? Or do I have to apply while in America? If I am able to apply in Beijing or Tokyo, are there any changes in the steps to obtain it that I would need to take?
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Thank you very much for your time,
Cortney Ballard
Western Kentucky University Student