[tristor]

There's definitely a cultural element. I made the point that these jobs must be recognized as valuable by society for a reason.

You say they're standing there in place of a traffic cone, Japanese society instead says that they're there to provide a friendly face ensuring safety of passersby around the dangers of construction work. A traffic cone cannot assist someone who has trouble walking to traverse rough ground because of the work being done. A traffic cone doesn't smile or acknowledge your presence.

That sociocultural element is what has value, and as long as it has value, the job is valuable.