In this video, the turner makes her own tool before she turns. This gives you a much better view of how the tool is used.
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Most all Japanese (and other Asian cultures) use end-grain orientation for their rice bowls.
Most traditional Japanese bowls are made from local timber. pines, cedars and cypress. Some species are. Sakura, Zelkova, katsura, Sawara and Hinoki. Each species usually has a typical function. One is good for storage, one for steaming, one for eating and so on.
There is a lot to learn once you start looking into it.

The tool rests many times are basically mini saw horses and are free to move around the table top. Many are angled with a high and low end allowing for height adjustment.