I highly doubt you would get apprenticeships for blacksmithing or most other skills, but there is somthing you can do in Japan regards Farming. It wouldn't neccessarily be an 'apprenticeship' but rather you work on a farm/organic farm in Japan and get your accomodation and meals paid for in return for your work. And by doing so you can experience Japanese Culture. Visa status might be similiar to a Working Holiday Visa so could be anything from a minimum of a few months to a year.

Type into google " WWOOF Japan Farming " and it will give you the result for the main page.