This is one of the three guards onsite at Atomi Gakuen's construction site where they are building some new classrooms, a collection of schools down the street from me. These guys guide construction traffic when needed, but really don't do much of anything all day long. I see them every morning and every afternoon when I return. There are thousands of these types of jobs in Japan. Women who push elevator buttons and announce floors in department stores. A lot of tedious employment for whoever wants it I suppose.
My favourite in terms of elevator guides is the Kinokuniya West Exit Shinjuku. There's always a lady there that pushes the buttons and recites the features of that floor. I wonder if she has those ups and downs associated with other types of jobs...
Posted by: ken | December 06, 2003 at 01:31 PM
My other favourite is coming to a small construction project - you know - one where they're repairing a pot hole in the sidewalk or something. Well there's usually at least 3-4 guides directing foot traffic around the area in addition to a series of pylons and makeshift fences surrounding the area being fixed. Even without the people, one has very little choice on where to go -- less they actually wander into the hole itself.
Posted by: ken | December 06, 2003 at 01:35 PM