I was planning to apply in Japan for a Chinese student visa.

Is this possible if one is only visiting Japan as a tourist? Furthermore, do non-Japanese people still need to apply through a travel agency? I read somewhere that it should now be possible to apply at the embassy/consulate directly.

Also, I tried to send an email to the Chinese Embassy in Japan but the email address doesn't seem to work. Is there another email address in use or is it possible to call and ask the personnel directly in Chinese or in English?