

Getsuyuu Syndrome

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Getsuyuu Syndrome (月幽病 Getsuyuu-byou) (or the Luna Sedata Syndrome, the name created for the English fan translation) is an ailment specific to Rougetsu Island. Victims suffer from encroaching memory loss and mental confusion. The illness was specifically being researched at Haibara Hospital, also located on the island.[1] It was thought that the disease might have a connection to the island's faith and cultures.

The disease begins mildly, with symptoms such as mild memory loss and sleepwalking (dubbed "moon walking" by the islanders).[2] When the moon is full the patients begin to wander, searching for moonlight; if they cannot find moonlight they become frightened and unstable.

As the disease progresses and the symptoms become more severe, the patient's memory is almost totally gone. They will attempt to reach windows or rooftops to catch a glimpse of the moon and expose themselves to moonlight. Eventually total memory loss occurs, and they will constantly ask to see the moon. The only known way to cure the disease is for the Kiraigou/Rougetsu Kagura to be performed and calm the moon. Failing that, the Tsukimori Song also calms the moon when played from the top of the Tsukuyomi Peninsula Lighthouse and can be used if the Kagura fails.

Duration: Unknown
Victims: Residents of Rougetsu Island
Age of Afflicted: Varies
Connected to: Rougetsu Island
Game: Fatal Frame IV


Reasons for becoming 'infected'


Wandering around at Night
Sufferers will start wandering around during the middle of the night and sleepwalking.[5]

Affected by the Moon
The phase of the moon affects the patients. At certain times, the symptoms will become worse or agitated. Patients will often seek out the moonlight.[6]

Mild Memory Impairment
Initial symptoms will also include mild memory impairment, forgetting important things.[7]

Fear of Mirrors
Also known as Budding; patients become frightened of their own reflection.[8]

Obsessive Behaviour
Patients form deep attachments to certain items. Some will collect multiple objects, whereas others will cling to one in particular and keep it with them at all times.[9]

Externalising the Self
A few patients, feeling that they are losing their identity, will use a doll to "store" part of themselves, so that it will not change.[10] [11]

Some patients kill themselves deliberately so they will not have to face the loss of all their memories;[12] [13] others endanger themselves trying to get closer to the moon, and die accidentally.[14] Others die of cardiac arrest.[15]

Stages of the Disease

Attempted Cures

  • Brain surgeries (conducted by Shigeto Haibara)[16] - performed in attempts to cure the illness. These surgeries were a failure and in the end just sped up the disease in the patient.
  • Music therapy - music was played over the loudspeakers of Rougetsu Hall. As notes dictate, the music therapy did have some relief to patients suffering symptoms, specifically the younger children suffering from the disease.[17]
  • Masks with mind-controlling properties.[18]


Rougetsu Hall

Haibara Hospital/unknown




Note: As of current writing, it cannot be confirmed which ending of Fatal Frame IV is considered canon, thus affecting the number of survivors.
survival confirmed in both endings
1st ending - unknown fate
2nd ending - survival confirmed

Misc. Info

  • In the English fan translation of the game, this disease is called Luna Sedata Syndrome.
  • "月" means 'Moon'. "幽" means 'tranquil' or 'secluded'.
  • According to the official Japanese website for Fatal Frame 4, the relationship between the moon and the victims of Getsuyuu Syndrome are as follows: moon = memories = personality = the soul.[19]


  1. Director Haibara's Note 1, Fatal Frame IV
  2. Getsuyuu Syndrome & The Moon, Fatal Frame IV
  3. Post-Mortem Certificate: Tomoko Hinuma, Fatal Frame IV
  4. Shrine of Mourning Ritual, Fatal Frame IV
  5. Getsuyuu Syndrome & The Moon, Fatal Frame IV
  6. Getsuyuu Syndrome & The Moon, Fatal Frame IV
  7. Getsuyuu Syndrome & The Moon, Fatal Frame IV
  8. Assistant's Note 3, Fatal Frame IV
  9. Chart: Ayako, Fatal Frame IV
  10. Assistant's Note 6, Fatal Frame IV
  11. Sakuya's Diary 1, Fatal Frame IV
  12. Suicide Woman's Note, Fatal Frame IV
  13. Female Patient's Note, Fatal Frame IV
  14. Patient's Note, Fatal Frame IV
  15. Choushiro's Handbook: Getsuyuu Syndrome, Fatal Frame IV
  16. Getsuyuu Syndrome Research, Fatal Frame IV
  17. 2nd Floor Nurse's Log 3, Fatal Frame IV
  18. Director Haibara's Note 1, Fatal Frame IV
  19. Official website (Japanese); Unofficial English Translation

See Also:
Blooming, Shigeto Haibara, You Haibara, Shoji Katagiri & Haibara Hospital

In Other Languages:
English - Français

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