Quick question about 2026 income tax filing

Hi all;

Here is today's potentially dumb question. I know that the "official" tax filing season is Feb. 16 to March 16. Usually it is no trouble for me. But this year I need to be away from Japan during that time. Is it possible to file my return early? Say around February 7 or 8. If so, do I just do my return on paper (simple personal return) and take it to the local tax office?

Thanks in advance!