Although he lost regular position behind Masahiko Nakagawa from the middle of 2001,[1] the club returned to J1 League in a year.
In September 2017, when he coached Renofa Yamaguchi FC, he was registered as player because many goalkeeper could not play in the match.
[3] In March 2018, when he coached Kataller Toyama, he was registered as player because many goalkeeper could not play for injury.
[5] After retirement, Hirai started coaching career at Kyoto Sanga FC in 2011.
This biographical article related to a Japanese association football goalkeeper is a stub.