Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is taking unusual steps to protect its residents from a potential North Korea attack – by distributing a survival manga comic.

Officials from Hokkaido’s prefectural government have published a colourful comic detailing what residents should do in response to a potential missile strike or nuclear attack.

The comic comes shortly after two North Korean missile launches flew across Hokkaido, with residents alerted to their approach by the sound of sirens from a nationwide system called J-Alert.

The four-page comic, created by manga artist Manabu Yamamoto, describes in detail what residents should do if they hear the J-Alert alarm again, depending on their location at the time.

Scenes depicted in the comic include schoolchildren hiding beneath desks, a morning jogger seeking refuge in a public toilet, farmers lying face in fields and children placing cushions over their heads at home.