After becoming a regular starter for Toshiba Brave Lupus in the Top League, Hirose made his debut for Japan in 2007 against Hong Kong at fly-half scoring 2 tries, but never featured again under coach John Kirwan.
In 2012, 5 years from his debut, he was recalled and named captain of the Japan national rugby union team by new coach, Eddie Jones.
He was also infamously on the receiving end of a rant by Jones after a loss to the French Barbarians in June.
[1][2] Hirose continued as captain in 2013, leading Japan to their first ever victory over Wales, but was dropped in 2014 with his place coming under increasing pressure from new caps Akihito Yamada and Kotaro Matsushima, and Jones citing a lack of pace.
He was retained for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with his leadership skills praised by Jones, but was the only player in the 31 man squad not to make the field in the tournament, and following a final season with Toshiba Brave Lupus decided to retire.