I'm sorry, but this has nothing to do with capitalism. If we were under a king, you'd still have to schmooze the king. Socialism may give you money to feed yourself, but it won't pay you to do science. An economic system doesn't prevent you from needing interpersonal skills.
People own their own businesses in Japan. it's much more common than in the US. So they get to keep the profits rather than it going to some corporate entity. Much more efficient economically. It helps to have universal health care since it takes that expense out of the equation.
To me, it's a distraction. I think it's legal in just about every state for someone to marry a child under the age of 15 with the approval of their parents.
These scientists aren't schmoozing for a paycheck. Research is expensive. They're getting funding for equipment and personnel.