Blossoming

This is the final stage of the Getsuyuu Syndrome, an ailment unique to Rougetsu Island. It is considered a curse because of its connections to the Day Without Suffering. Its effects were also noted by the Tsukimori Shrine Maidens of the island, and it is connected to the Kiraigou/Rougetsu Kagura.

This was an affliction of the deceased, which could then spread to the living. After death, the face would assume strange and unnatural shapes. To prevent the dead from Blooming, the skin of the face would be removed and purified, and replaced with a mask. The unchanging face of the mask ensured that they could not change in death.

There was one exception: if, after the Kiraigou, the Utsuwa slept, she was considered neither living nor dead. Because she was not truly dead, her face could not be removed; because she was not truly alive, she could Bloom.

Duration: Varies.
Victims: Deceased victims of Getsuyuu Syndrome.
Age of Afflicted: Varies
Connected to: Rougetsu Island / Rougetsu Kagura
Game: Fatal Frame IV

Reasons for becoming 'cursed'

• Dying after having experienced the Budding stage of Getsuyuu Syndrome.
• Seeing the faces of others who have Bloomed, in particular Sakuya Haibara.

Physical signs/symptoms

Blurred face

The face of the afflicted will become blurred and distorted.

Stages of the curse

1. A sense of deep confusion; noises inside the head.
2. An intense fear.
3. A blur on the victim's face.
4. Death of the victim.

Victims

Note: while it can be assumed that nearly everyone who was on the island on the Day Without Suffering Bloomed, ghosts who wear masks will not Bloom.

• Asagi Hizuki
• Ayako
• Fuyuko Shiratsuki
• Himiko Kiriya
• Iori Aiba
• Kageri Sendou
• Katsuhito Kariya
• Kazuto Amaki
• Kyouko Kitazume
• Madoka Tsukimori
• Natsuki Shiono
• Sakuya Haibara
• Sanae Houzuki
• Shie Sonosaki
• Shoji Katagiri
• Tadayuki Kaido
• Takashi Aiba
• Tomoko Hinuma
• Tsubaki Tono
• Yoriko Sonohara
• Yuukou Magaki
• Yuuzou Takemura

Survivors

Note: As of current writing, it cannot be confirmed which ending of Fatal Frame IV is considered canon, thus affecting the number of survivors.

• Ruka Minazuki

survival confirmed in both endings

• Misaki Asou

1st ending - unknown fate

2nd ending - survival confirmed

Gameplay

During a ghost battle, spirits may visibly begin to Bloom, causing them to become more powerful and dangerous. This is the only time during which a Rorschach Shot can be taken. This shot adds an entry to the Spirit List with " - 咲 - " ("Blooming") beside the ghost's name, if the particular ghost has that entry. Masked ghosts will not Bloom.

To maximise your chances of making a ghost Bloom, use Shutter Chances when their health is below 75%. If the ghost is not in contact with any walls or obstacles, the chance of Blooming rises by 50%.

In early stages of development, the creators considered adding a feature where players would take damage if they locked on to a ghost who was Blooming, but this was scrapped.