In March 1985, Hirakawa was selected the Japan national team for 1986 World Cup qualification. At this qualification, on March 21, he debuted against North Korea. After he joined Nissan Motors, he was selected Japan again in 1988 and 1989. In 1992, he also played 1 game for the first time in 3 years. He played 13 games for Japan until 1992.