NOAH

Shoji Tanaka, president of engineering company Cosmo, demonstrates the 'Noah's ark' shelter. Photograph: Itsuo Inouye/AP

A Japanese company has developed a miniature version of Noah's ark in case Japan is hit by another massive earthquake and tsunami – a floating capsule that looks like a huge tennis ball.

Engineering company Cosmo says its "Noah" shelter is made from enhanced fiberglass and could save users from disasters such as the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March that devastated Japan's northern coast and left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing.

The company's president, Shoji Tanaka, said the capsule could hold four adults and had survived many crash tests.

It has a lookout window and breathing holes, and could also be used as a toy house for children.

The company said it had completed the capsule earlier this month and had received 600 orders.