The operator of Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has applied to return to the Tokyo Stock Exchange six years after the theme park's delisting, sources familiar with the matter said Thursday.

If approved, USJ Co.'s market capitalization will likely be several hundred billion yen, making it one of the largest initial public offerings of the year, the sources said.

The company exited the TSE's market for startups in 2009, but it is understood to be looking for funds for new investments and is eyeing a September listing to tap the stock market's "Abenomics"-driven advance.

USJ opened in 2001. Its stock had a lackluster run on the Mothers market for startups from 2007 to 2009, when it was acquired by Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

Attendance rose to a record high of 12.7 million in the year through March 31 driven by the success of the new Harry Potter attraction.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features a model the fictional Hogwarts Castleand state-of-the-art flight simulation technology that allows visitors to experience a virtual broomstick flight around the castle with Harry Potter.

The new entertainment area was built with a total investment of around ¥45 billion.