"So when the K computer emerged, it was no surprise that our public recognition was given a boost," he said.

Kosi adds the strong response by the public to the K computer reflects a "growing anticipation" for technologies such supercomputers to provide answers that were once "unimaginable."

In addition to its technical feat, the K computer may have also resonated with the public outside of Japan for its "Cool Japan" factor.

While Kosi personally feels that it may be "a bit of a stretch" to associate the K computer with Cool Japan, a term that was coined a decade ago to describe Japan's growth as a cultural superpower, he does concede that the branding for the supercomputer, which consists of the "kei" character in bold calligraphy, may "look cool" to people outside of Japan.