Documentary 'I Want to Be a Superstar' Showcases Story of Female Japanese Boxing Champ Mizuki Hiruta

The film follows the rise of undefeated world champion boxer Mizuki Hiruta as she chases her dream of stardom in a male-dominated sport.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:10am

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Filmmaker Peter Michael Dowd has revealed that production is underway on his new feature documentary about Japanese world champion boxer Mizuki Hiruta, titled 'I Want to Be a Superstar.' Hiruta has been making waves in women's boxing, capturing the WBO Super Flyweight title and remaining undefeated since turning professional in 2023. The documentary aims to shed light on the challenges female boxers face in Japan to gain recognition and attention.

Why it matters

Women's boxing in Japan still struggles for mainstream attention and recognition, with female athletes often feeling 'invisible.' This documentary provides a platform to showcase Hiruta's inspiring story and the obstacles she has overcome to achieve success in the male-dominated sport of boxing.

The details

Hiruta discovered boxing in her mid-teens and later joined the Japan Self-Defense Forces to continue her training. She turned professional in 2023 and began training in Los Angeles with renowned coach Manny Robles. The documentary is being directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Peter Michael Dowd, who is known for his SXSW-premiering documentary 'Mr. Jimmy.'

  • Hiruta was named Female Fighter of the Year at the Ring Magazine Awards in 2025.
  • Hiruta turned professional in 2023 and began training in Los Angeles.
  • Hiruta started representing Japan in amateur competitions in 2021.

The players

Mizuki Hiruta

A Japanese world champion boxer who has captured the WBO Super Flyweight title and remained undefeated since turning professional in 2023.

Peter Michael Dowd

A Los Angeles-based filmmaker who is directing the documentary 'I Want to Be a Superstar' about Mizuki Hiruta.

Manny Robles

A renowned boxing coach in Los Angeles who has been training Mizuki Hiruta since she turned professional in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Women's boxing in Japan still struggles for attention and recognition. There are times when it feels like we are invisible. That is why this documentary means so much to me. It feels like a gentle light during difficult moments. It feels like someone is walking beside me – not trying to change me, but simply seeing me. Through this film, I don't feel alone. I feel like we are chasing this dream together.”

— Mizuki Hiruta

“I've spent the past half-decade immersed in the boxing world shooting pieces for 'Top Rank Boxing' on ESPN. This film draws on that knowledge combined with my experiences with Japanese culture to make something as authentic as possible. Mizuki is an iconic superstar in the making. She's an incredibly strong woman making her way in the rough and tumble 'man's world' of boxing, and this film offers an unflinching look into everything she's overcome to achieve stardom.”

— Peter Michael Dowd, Director

What’s next

The documentary 'I Want to Be a Superstar' is currently in production, with a planned release date not yet announced.

The takeaway

This documentary shines a light on the challenges faced by female athletes in Japan, particularly in the male-dominated sport of boxing. Mizuki Hiruta's inspiring story of perseverance and success serves as a powerful testament to the determination and skill of women in sports.