(I) The story of being involved in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project is one of perseverance. (II) When Kaname Ikeda arrived in Cararache in 2007 with a small team, there was almost nothing there. (Ill) Fortunately, the ITER participants are bound by the belief that they are working on a mission of huge importance to society. (IV) Prefabricated buildings emerged from the earth as the site developed to accommodate the first 100 employees over the next year. (V) Today, that number has increased to 300, still housed in prefabricated buildings whHe awaiting the permanent ones to be provided.