No, I had to Google Japanese Knotwood, too.  The article said it looks like bamboo but isn't really
closely related to bamboo.  I do love the look of bamboo and it makes a great natural fence.  I always
wanted some but because it spreads and is hard to keep under control I never planted any.  Instead I
opted for some tall grasses that get plumes in the fall.  Put them around one side of another garden. 
They get bigger, too, but very slowly.