Akira Taue
In 2009, Hirayanagi debuted in Dramatic Dream Team (DDT), teaming with his primary trainer Akira Taue to defeat DDT residents Sanshiro Takagi and Michael Nakazawa at the DDT Judgement 2009 event. On August 30, he teamed with frequent partner Kanemaru in his New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut in the main event of the Jado and Gedo 20th Anniversary show, losing to Jado and Gedo. Hirayanagi was selected to participate in another interpromotional contest at the combined AJPW/NJPW/Noah All Together supershow on 27 August 2011 at Budokan Hall, competing in a 10-man tag team match billed as the Junior One Night Carnival.