Akita Gov. Norihisa Satake criticized the Defense Ministry on Monday for making errors in the geographical survey that was used to select the prefecture as a candidate for hosting Aegis Ashore missile launchers.

A ministry official was also caught snoozing when local residents were briefed Saturday about the numerical mistakes in the elevation angles of mountains, prompting some participants to demand an apology.

"It's truly regrettable," Satake said during a session of the prefectural assembly, regarding the ministry's survey. "I've found the Defense Ministry's stance extremely questionable, and we're back to square one on this issue."