They are a brave few and they are preparing to enter a building thousands are fleeing; preparing to face immense personal risk to prevent an immense public disaster.
They know the suits and masks they wear cannot offer protection from all the forms of radiation they face.
They know the risks, as do the families they have left behind.
"My father is still working at the plant," wrote one child. "He says he has accepted his fate much like a death sentence."
"I've never seen my mother cry so hard," wrote another. "People at the plant are sacrificing themselves to protect you. Please dad, come back alive."
One of the so-called 'Fukushima 50' emailed his wife to say "Please continue to live well, I cannot be home for a while."
Thirty-one of those who cleaned up after the Chernobyl disaster never came home.
This team is working in 90 second bursts to limit exposure to radiation. They are clearing radio active debris - something the teams at Fukushima are thought to be doing as well.
The Japanese Prime Minister has told them they are the only ones who can resolve the crisis. Retreat is unthinkable.
As are the personal consequences for the 'Fukushima 50' on whose bravery all hope now rests.
ITV News / 3 News