JR group companies are heavily involved in real estate both in station shopping centers/services and easement lands. Construction is rapid and relatively easy in Japan, so they have an interest in areas where people might be moving to and providing affordable transportation in and out.

The UK’s incentive structure means there’s no real reason for operators to invest in providing good service. They don’t own the tracks (Network Rail does) and their franchise might simply not be renewed. They’re really just in it to make a buck, while JR companies are more interested in developing areas around their lines for people to live in.

This is the problem with railways and capitalism, they cost too much to be profitable from fares alone, but the additional economic benefits are enormous. As a result of most railway companies either don't own the infrastructure and the government has to pay out or they do what is described above and become landlords. When this doesn't happen as is the case where I live, the government just underfunds the railways and as a result, we end up with the most cars per capita of any country in the world.