Hirano was born in Shizuoka on July 15, 1974. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he joined J1 League club Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1993. He played many matches as left midfielder from first season. The club won the champions in the 1995 and 1999 Emperor's Cup. He played 222 matches and scored 43 goals. In summer 2000, he moved to Kyoto Purple Sanga. However the club was relegated to J2 League end of the 2000 season. He played for Júbilo Iwata in 2001 and Vissel Kobe in 2002. In 2003, he moved to Tokyo Verdy. The club won the champions in the 2004 Emperor's Cup. However the club was relegated to J2 end of 2005 season. From 2006, he played Yokohama F. Marinos, Omiya Ardija and Vancouver Whitecaps. He retired in 2010.