Researcher · Professor · Advocate
Researcher and professor specializing in accessibility, aging, and Japanese culture. Person with disabilities and Brazilian-Japanese — a perspective I share through lectures, publications, and social media in four languages.
Research
Accessibility & Infrastructure
Population Aging
Japanese Culture & Identity
My research focuses on population aging and accessibility and infrastructure, with a comparative lens on Brazil, Japan, and the United States. Japan was the world's first super-aged society — but what does that teach Brazil? And what are Brazil's own specific challenges?
I show what works, what doesn't, and what should be done differently. I support companies, nonprofits, and the public sector in analyzing accessibility and services for older adults.
My Personal Story
First Brazilian in the FD/MAS Alliance. I am a person with disabilities living with both rare diseases: FD and MAS. My first fracture happened at age one, and it took years to reach a diagnosis.
Since 2023, I have served as an advocate in Brazil and the United States with the FD/MAS Alliance — the first Brazilian to hold this role. I co-hosted the first global FD/MAS community event involving patients and families, and completed the first official Portuguese translation of the Alliance's materials during FD/MAS Week 2024.
“It was fantastic and helped me learn so much about myself, about these diseases, and to connect with people from all over the world.”
Acknowledgments
This page would not exist without the people below.
Parents and Japanese family
For unconditional love and support at every stage of life, always modeling ethics and generosity.
Friends
For the laughter, lightness, and encouragement.
Professors and advisors
For intellectual richness and guidance.
Equipe das redes & Site: Ana Paula e Diego
For creativity and care from the very beginning, before this project even existed.
Logo creator: Sofia
For artwork that captures who I am.
FD/MAS Community
For connection and shared learning.
Available as a speaker
Bia Kaori Mi as a speaker at your event
Accessibility, aging, Japan, and rare diseases — in English and Portuguese.
Speaker Kit available
Topics, formats, experience, and contact