NH looks good going over, but coming back it doesn't have straight PVG>NRT>JFK.

BA has a 3 hr 40 minute layover on the way over, and a 2 hour layover on the way back.

For VS it's about 8 hours and 2 hours.

As others said, it's not that much farther to go through LHR, but the security and price are also considerations. So, overall best route? Don't know. BUT the seats, lounges, and service would be best with VS and BA by far.