The "Unsinkable Carrier" for the USA
 

In 1983 Japanese Prime-Minister, Mr Nakasone proclaimed Japan as " unsinkable aircraft carrier of the USA".
Is it true that many people in Japan share this point of view nowadays?

No, not at all. One needs to take into account the fact that this occured several years prior the collapse of the Soviet Union. There is no longer a reason even for the more "patriotic" political leaders to speak or even think like Nakasone did back then. The Liberal Democratic Party, which Nakasone belonged to, is no longer in power.

Nowadays, when the domestic economy isn't nearly as healthy as in the 80's, the general Japanese public appear more interested in the internal affairs. The current political atmosphere would not allow a statement as the one in question as that would not win the support of the voters.

Maybe relevant military people, inside and outside of Japan, would still believe so; tactically, that expression should still hold some legitimacy. It goes without saying--as long as Japan is our ally, the U.S. may be inclined to consider them a friendly vessel from which to act from.

As for the civilian body itself, I'm not informed enough to make a proper conclusion.

internal affairs
 

OK, thank you for clarification. On a personal note, I think that modern Japan Self-Defense Forces could successfully protect the country without an umbrella of American military might.

They can, but they won't. The status quo, maintained by the Hatoyama administration it seems, is that indeed, Japan looks to the USN as the primary defensive force with its neighbors. The idea that the few public protestors represent any kind of influence on the issue is false. I still have USN business that I do in Yokosuka, and many of my former unit members have served or are currently serving there. Yokosuka remains the largest overseas naval base for the USN. This is not going to change. At least not in the next few decades.

I doubt the tactical situation would be much different now than then, politically I'm sure they would say things differently these days.

primary defensive force
 

"Japan", you said...well, perhaps rather current Administration than, say ordinary people.

What about Okinawa Prefecture? Seems, local people feel no pleasure and comfort.

quote :


Complaints by Okinawans towards the U.S. Military

Okinawans complain about crime, pollution, obnoxious behavior, litter, and land use problems associated with the Americans and simply being overwhelmed by them. Between 1972 and 2003, there were there were 5,157 crimes committed by American against civilians in Okinawa. Of these 533 were deemed by the Okinawa government to be “heinous crimes such as murder, robbery and sexual assault.” Twelve murders have been committed by U.S. servicemen in Okinawa.
Residents of Okinawa complain that noise from F-15 jets and cargo helicopters disrupts students during the day and people trying to sleep at night. They particularly don't like the nighttime take off and landings and low-altitude training exercises. Sonic booms from American F-16s have broke windows and caused minor injuries to an infant from broken glass. There also been gas leaks, fuel and chemical spills an errant bombs.

Source

Are ordinary citizens in Japan saying they would rather have a Japanese military than have American defense forces protecting them?

Protecting Force
 

I think they prefer to have a Japanese Military rather than occupants from the USA.
Let's ask them?
As for "defense forces". Tell me, please, who has an intention to attack Japan nowadays? Maybe, North Korea with their "powerful" scrap fleet and a single medium-range ballistic missile? ;)

I think it's amusing when the term/prefix "friend" is used when talking about international politics. It has nothing to do with friendship. It's more like partners in crime, and sometimes coerced.