Carrier forces in a prolonged invasion of Japan

How would carrier groups evolve if an invasion of Japan had gone ahead?

They would likely become larger and more heavily protected, with armored carriers and strong escort forces made more necessary by kamikazes and the demands of shore operations.

Without Soviet intervention or successful nuclear weapons, the campaign would likely be long. Kamikaze damage would reinforce the value of armored carriers, while the need to protect any shore airfields would keep carriers central. The outcome would include larger British and American carrier forces with substantial escort screens.