Japanese Build Their Own Noah’s Ark

It looks like one giant tennis ball, but a Japanese company says its yellow capsule could be the key to survival if the country gets hit by another powerful earthquake and tsunami.

Dubbing its survival shelter Noah, Cosmo Power describes it as a modern, miniature version of Noah’s Ark. The pod is large enough to hold four adults, floats in water and is made of enhanced fiberglass, which the company says is strong enough to withstand tsunamis, earthquakes, even hurricanes. Breathing holes on top  and a small lookout window add to the comfort.

“The more people know about it, the more they will be able to obtain this product according to their needs,” company President Shoji Tanaka told the Associated Press. “This is the only shelter that guarantees protection from any natural disaster.”

Tanaka first  introduced the shelter four years ago  but did not begin selling the yellow pod  until recently– for about  $4,000 apiece.

Cosmo Power said it has been flooded with calls since a massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan’s northeast coast, and triggered a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daichi plant. The triple disaster killed more than 20,000 people and displaced many more.

Tanaka says he has sold 600 capsules so far.