Spending heavily on after-school activities was once par for the course for middle-class families who usually have just one child, but the world's second-largest economy is in the throes of a crisis of confidence.
Companies have lost business due to trade tensions with the West and the property sector has been reeling under mountains of debt. The year began with a stock market rout, concerns abound that deflation may become entrenched and consumer confidence is hovering near record lows.
That's had a devastating impact on schools and clubs offering activities like soccer, swimming, piano and dance with many having closed.