HELPPP
why is the united states considered energy rich, while japan is considered energy poor

Energy resources can be measured.  They will include the fossil fuels, geothermal and hydroelectric potential, and increasingly the renewable resources.  When the US list is compared to the World it is considered energy Rich.  When Japan's list is compared to the world standard it considered energy poor.  

A changing technology like nuclear fusion could substantially change the assessment.

Japan does not have any substantial, oil, coal, gas, deposits, while the US does.

Explanation:

continuous conducting path for current, power supply