Bia
Kaori
Mi
I research and write about accessibility, aging populations, rare diseases, inclusion, and Japanese culture - and why these topics matter far beyond the people they most directly affect.
Research born
from lived
experience
I am a researcher and advocate specializing in accessibility, urban infrastructure, and population aging. Born and raised in Brazil with a huge mix of Japanese culture, I've always had an unstoppable curiosity about the world. My research doesn't stay hidden in academic papers - I've always believed theory and practice must walk together.
My experiences as a disabled person and as a Brazilian-Japanese mixed-heritage woman have shaped a unique worldview that I share through talks, courses, and publications in multiple languages.
Passionate about languages, Japanese cuisine, animanga, and much more - I can't get through a day without tea (no fruit teas, please) or something to read.
See Full Experiencespeaking & research
What I Study
Research Areas
Where My Work Lives
A bridge between
Brazil and Japan
My research, identity, and advocacy span two countries with one of the world's longest bilateral histories. I navigate both worlds by birth, by study, and by choice.
Find out more
Brazil- HomeLargest Japanese diaspora outside Japan. Rich culture, urgent challenges in accessibility and infrastructure.
Japan- AncestralWorld's first super-aged society. Global infrastructure benchmark - studied with both love and critical eyes.
Japanese Brazilians - largest diaspora outside Japan
years of Japan-focused academic research
Health & Rare Disease Advocacy
Living with FD/MAS
I live with two ultra-rare conditions: Fibrous Dysplasia (FD) and McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS). A GNAS gene mutation that affects my bones, endocrine system, and mobility. My first fracture was at age one. It took three years to get a diagnosis. Today I advocate in Brazil and the USA.
01 - The Diagnosis
First Fracture at One Year Old
FD makes bones brittle. MAS affects hormones and skin. Three years passed before my parents found answers. It remains very rare and hard to diagnose.
02 - The Alliance
First Latin American FD/MAS Advocate
Since 2023, I advocate in both Brazil and the USA. I've translated official content to Portuguese for the first time and co-hosted the first global patient meeting.
03 - The Goal
Knowledge Across Borders
I document my story for patients, families, and anyone who wants to understand what invisible disability actually looks like in daily life.
Languages
Four Languages, One Voice
Work With Me
How I Can Help You
Academic Collaborations
Available for research partnerships, peer review, and expert consultation on accessibility, aging, disability policy, and Japan-Brazil comparative studies.
Events & Panels
Academic conferences, corporate events, media panels, and patient advocacy gatherings. Available in English and Portuguese, in-person or online.
Media & Consultations
Expert commentary for journalists plus consultations on accessibility and rare disease content for social media and broadcast.
Where I Was Last
Latest Appearances
As Seen In
Timeline
Moments That Shaped Me
First Brazilian in the FD/MAS Alliance. Co-host of the first global FD/MAS community meeting.
Invited to teach on Population Aging in Japan and what Brazil can learn from it.
Dissertation on the challenges Japan faces as the world's first super-aged society.
Member of the Asian Studies research group for over a decade. Contributed to multiple courses and soon-to-be book author.
Team leader, project manager, teacher, translator, editor, and mentor - expanding access to knowledge in Brazil.
Where it all started. At Faculdades Integradas Rio Branco, earned two academic merit awards.
From the Blog
Latest Articles
Get in Touch
Let's start a
conversation
Whether you're a journalist on deadline, an event organizer, a researcher looking to collaborate, or simply curious - fill in the form and I'll get back to you within a few days.