I agree with you about jobs for the sake of keeping people busy. However, one of the great lessons I am learning in Japan is that human beings are capable of exceeding automation, as long as those human beings are participating in a healthy social environment. In the West, we often set low expectations for people because we cater to the lowest common denominator and we tolerate socially regressive behaviors. The dark side of Japanese society is a willingness to cut bait on people who aren't team players and a vulnerability when leadership isn't up to the task. On the other hand, there is a tremendous distribution of skills and the work ethic is astonishing to my American eyes. People unironically aim for perfection in even the most menial tasks--something that I think is the key to personal satisfaction and has a huge benefit to the society at large.