Cultural Notes
Ojigi Bito
Japanese Living
Ojigi Bito (お辞儀人/bowing men) is a term coined by author Miki Ito, who published a book collecting these characters that are seen on signs all across Japan. They are almost always helmeted individuals, bowing with humility as they warn you of construction, or otherwise advertise different products.
Relevance to Ranma 1/2
The civil engineer, or Doboku Shugyosha as he is known in Japan, teaches Ryoga the Shishi Hokodan technique is based on this commonly seen image. Takahashi says the Shishi Hokodan technique is used primarily in construction work, hence he is an appropriate instructor.