Perhaps that’s why Chinese kids are shooting for the stars while American kids are shooting for virtual stardom. The most popular career ambition among American youth is an influencer.

Ms. Chua writes that "studies indicate that compared to Western parents, Chinese parents spend approximately 10 times as long every day drilling academic activities with their children.

Yamamoto, a Chinese national, works at Konan's school lunch center from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., goes home to freshen up, runs errands and makes dinner for her husband and daughter.