Born in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 1972. Hirabayashi graduated from Musashino Art University. After working as a graphic designer, he became a video director. His short film Textism (2003) won the Grand Prize at the Image Forum Festival and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival, Locarno International Film Festival, and Sundance Film Festival. His short film Babin (2008) won the Jury Prize at the Locarno International Film Festival. His animation 663113 (2011) received a Special Mention Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and won the Ofuji Noburo Award at the Mainichi Film Awards. Up to 2020, he has made 20 short films including live-action dramas, animations, and experimental films.