In 2009, Tokyo University professor emeritus of English literature Yushi Odashima [ja] described Hira as Japan's best Shakesperean actor, noting the incandescence he brought to his roles as mythical characters.

[1] The range in his performance as King Lear, from solemnness to madness, was praised by Kindai University professor and theatre critic Kojin Nishido [ja].

[1] An obituary by the Chunichi Shimbun identified Hira's special ability to deliver profound performances and his high-toned delivery of lines.

[3] At the time of his death he had a role in Fuji Television's Monday night drama Cain and Abel, which was taken over by Akira Terao.

[5] Hira's final performance, in the second episode of Cain and Abel, was filmed on 29 September and aired on 24 October, shortly after his death.