Japan’s ‘Noah’ capsule built to withstand earthquakes and tsunamis

When not in use, it's an inviting playhouse for children.

But the lemon-yellow four-foot-diameter capsule is more than just a pricey toy bubble — the modern Japan-designed sphere is built save lives.

Dubbed 'Noah,' each floatable fortified fibreglass sphere can hold four adults, saving them from drowning and being struck with debris should another earthquake and tsunami hit Japan.

Cosmo Power, a small Japanese environmental projects company based west of Tokyo, already has orders for 600 of its "Noah" shelters, despite the steep price tag of more than $4,100 (CDN).

"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."

Each sphere features a lookout window and breathing holes on top. The Guardian calls it a "disaster capsule." It should be noted, however, the tennis-ball-like vessels don't include navigational technology or storage space for food and emergency supplies. So while it will keep disaster victims afloat, it still risks them being swept out to sea.