This article is about the Pokémon Researcher. For the English voice actors, see Bill Rogers, Billy Regan or Billy Beach.

Bill
ソネザキマサキ Masaki Sonezaki
FireRed LeafGreen Bill.png
Art from FireRed and LeafGreen
Gender Male
Birthday December 31st*
Eye color Brown*, Black*
Hair color Brown*, Green*
Hometown Goldenrod City
Region Johto
Relatives Unnamed mother, father, two sisters, nephew, grandfather, wife*
Trainer class Poké Maniac, Storage System developer
Generation I, II, III, IV, VII
Games Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Anime debut Mystery at the Lighthouse
English voice actor Maddie Blaustein
Japanese voice actor Masaya Onosaka
Manga counterpart(s) Bill

Bill (Japanese: ソネザキマサキ Masaki Sonezaki) is a Pokémon Researcher, widely regarded as an expert in many fields. He has made many appearances in the games. Bill is most commonly found in his Sea Cottage, which is north of Cerulean City at the end of Route 25. He is most notable for his first appearance in the Generation I games and for his Pokémon Storage System that has been pertinent in the entire main series.

In the games

Role

Bill is a talented and famous inventor, who invented the original Pokémon Storage System and Time Capsule. People, including himself, call him a PokéManiac because of his large collection of both common and rare Pokémon. The first one he caught was an Abra; however, his favorite Pokémon are Eevee and its evolutions. Bill also gives a free Eevee to Ethan, KrisC, or LyraHGSS in Generation II and its remakes, and another one to Bebe in Generation IV, which is later given to Lucas/Dawn.

Bill also has several friends that share his interests in computer technology. One of them is Celio, his old friend from One Island in the Sevii Islands. He is also close with Lanette and Bebe, the storage system developers of Hoenn and Sinnoh, respectively. He is stated to have requested Cassius control the Storage System of Kalos in Generation VI.

Bill also has some fans, like PokéManiac Brent of Generation II who calls the player with information about him. Most of his calls are trivia about Bill himself and his family, such as the fact that Bill's mother used to be a Kimono Girl and that Bill's younger sister can't wink. He also mentions that Bill might have a crush on the flower girl in Goldenrod City. Brent also revealed the fact that Bill is lactose-intolerant, which was also stated by Celio in Generation III.

Bill has been shown to have a large family. His adult sister and grandfather live in Fuchsia City. In Generation II, his grandfather watches over Bill's cottage on Route 25 while he is visiting the rest of his family in Goldenrod City.

In the Japanese versions of the games, Bill speaks in Kansai dialect, like most Goldenrod City residents.

In Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, Bill can be found at the Sea Cottage on the Cerulean Cape, initially performing an experiment on Pokémon teleportation. However, Bill accidentally becomes combined with the body of a Pokémon and requires the player's help to fix the problem. In Pokémon Yellow, the player's Pikachu will be confused by the whole ordeal, and shocked upon seeing Bill return to his original form. After things are back in order, he speaks about his Pokémon Storage System and what was formerly on the PC menu as "Someone's PC" will change to "Bill's PC." He will also give away an S.S. Ticket so that the player can board the S.S. Anne. He gives the player the ticket as a gift for changing him back into a human, and also claims that the rich crowd of the S.S. Anne isn't his type. If the player exits Bill's house and goes back in, they can check his computer for information on Eevee and its three stone evolutions, his favorite Pokémon.

In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions, Bill is in the same area as in the original games. However, he also appears on Cinnabar Island asking for help in the Sevii Islands shortly after Blaine is defeated. While on One Island, he introduces the player to Celio.

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Bill appears in the same capacity as he does in the original games. Bill's PC is not used in this game, as the player has access to Pokémon Storage at any time from the Bag. After helping Bill, the player can check his PC again to read his reports on the locations of the legendary birds.

In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Bill is visiting his family in Goldenrod City. After he gets the Time Capsule up and running in Ecruteak City, players can visit him at his parents' house in Goldenrod and receive an Eevee. His sister will give the player Bill's number so they can check the storage system. In Pokémon Crystal, his father is introduced as the Move Tutor, a deadbeat former PokéManiac who spends his time gambling.

Bill appears in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver in the same capacity as he did in Generation II. He will give the player an Eevee if he is visited at his parents' house in Goldenrod.

While visiting Lanette in Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, players can check one of her computers to find an E-mail from Bill. The English translation of the e-mail in Generation III makes it seem as if Bill is crediting Lanette for upgrading his system, whereas the Japanese text and the English text in Generation VI clearly establishes that he and Lanette are co-developers of the original system.

Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

"... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Your storage system offers more convenience than mine. It has a lot of user friendly features that make it fun and useful too. It makes me proud that I played a part in its development. Here's hoping that you'll continue research in Storage Systems. From Bill
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

"...
Your Storage System is quite convenient. It has a lot of user-friendly features that make it fun and useful, too. It makes me proud that I played a part in its development. Here's hoping that you'll continue research in Storage Systems.
..."

In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Bebe mentions that Bill invented the original PC storage system, and that she tinkered with it to make it easier to use. Upon giving the player an Eevee, Bebe refers to Bill as a friend from Johto to whom the Eevee previously belonged.

Although Bill has no physical appearance in Pokémon Sun and Moon, Lillie goes to him during the post-game to treat her mother. Wicke also makes a reference to when he was combined with a Pokémon.

Fame Checker

This is a list of the Fame Checker's information on Bill in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Cerulean CityBlue
  • What does this person do?
"After all, Bill's world-famous as a Pokémaniac. He invented the Pokémon Storage System on PC, too."
Cerulean City — Little Boy
  • Favorite kind of Pokémon?
"Bill has lots of Pokémon! He collects rare ones, too!"
Fuchsia City — Bill's grandfather
  • What is this person like?
"He's my grandson! He always liked collecting things, even as a child!"
One IslandCelio
  • Favorite kind of Pokémon?
""Bill is a Pokémaniac, so he likes every kind. Apparently, the first one he caught was an Abra."
One Island — Celio
  • Family and friends?
"Bill's hometown is Goldenrod City, where his folks still live. I've heard it's quite the festive, bustling city."
One Island — Celio
  • There's a rumor…
"Apparently, Bill can't stomach milk at all."
Message from Bill
"Hey, there! Celio had nothing but praise for you. Hearing that makes me happy. When you catch some rare Pokémon, come show me, okay? Promise!"

Pokémon

Gives away

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
 
Type:
Normal Unknown
Held item:
None
Eevee/ Lv.20
Tackle
Normal
Tail Whip
Normal
Sand-Attack
Ground
Growl
Normal
 
Type:
Normal Unknown
Ability:
Adaptability or Run Away
Held item:
None
Eevee/ Lv.5
Tackle
Normal Physical
Tail Whip
Normal Status
Helping Hand
Normal Status
  --  
   

Status unknown

 
Abra
According to Celio, Bill's first Pokémon was an Abra. However, it has not been seen physically in any game to date.

None of Abra's moves are known.

Debut Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
 
Clefairy
In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Bill is first seen as this Clefairy. In this form, he asks the player to help him turn back to normal using his Cell Separation System. Once the player runs the program, Bill reverts to human form, though the Clefairy involved in the experiment is not seen seen exiting the other teleported. It is not known if the Clefairy is one of Bill's Pokémon or a wild Pokémon.

In Generation I, this Pokémon is represented by a generic sprite.

None of Clefairy's moves are known.

Debut Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
 
Nidorino
In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Bill is first seen as this Nidorino, instead. Once the player runs the Cell Separation System, the Nidorino involved in the experiment is seen running out of the smoke. It is not known if the Nidorino is one of Bill's Pokémon or a wild Pokémon.

None of Nidorino's moves are known.

Debut Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Quotes

Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

"Hiya! I'm a Pokémon... ...No I'm not! Call me Bill! I'm a true blue Pokémaniac! Hey! What's with that skeptical look? I'm not joshing you, I screwed up an experiment and got combined with a Pokémon! So, how about it? Help me out there!"
"No!? Come on, you gotta help a guy in deep trouble! What do you say, chief? Please? OK? All right! When I'm in the Teleporter, go to my PC and run the Cell Separation System!"
  • After helping him
"Yeehah! Thanks, bud! I owe you one! So, did you come to see my Pokémon collection? You didn't? That's a bummer. I've got to thank you... Oh here, maybe this'll do. That cruise ship, S.S.Anne, is in Vermilion City. Its passengers are all trainers! They invited me to their party, but I can't stand fancy do's. Why don't you go instead of me?"
  • After returning to his house
"Look, bud, just check out some of my rare Pokémon on my PC!"

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

Ecruteak City
"Hi, I'm Bill. And who are you? Hmm. <player>, huh? You've come at the right time. I just finished adjustments on my Time Capsule. You know that Pokémon can be traded, right? My Time Capsule was developed to enable trades with the past. But you can't send anything that didn't exist in the past. If you did, the PC in the past would have a breakdown. So you have to remove anything that wasn't around in the past. Put simply, no sending new moves or new Pokémon in the Time Capsule. Don't you worry. I'm done with the adjustments. Tomorrow, Time Capsules will be running at all Pokémon Centers. I have to hurry on back to Goldenrod and see my folks. Buh-bye!"
Goldenrod City
  • After talking to him at the Ecruteak City Pokémon Center
"Hi, <player>! Do us a favor and take this Eevee. It came over when I was adjusting the Time Capsule. Someone has to take care of it, but I don't like being outside. Can I count on you to play with it, <player>?
Yes: "I knew it! Way to go, hero! You're the real deal, dude! OK, I'm counting on you. Take good care of it.
No: "Oh... Now what to do?
  • If the player is carrying six Pokémon
"Whoa, wait. you can't carry any more Pokémon.
  • After receiving Eevee
"Prof. Elm claims Eevee may evolve in new and unknown ways"
  • Subsequent visits
"I used to experiment with a Teleporter. I ought to do a follow-up."GS
"My pop, he won't work. All he does is goof off all day long. He's getting to be a real headache..."C
Pokégear
  • When called
"Good morning!/Good day!/Good evening! This is the Pokémon Storage System Administration Service. Who's calling? <player>, is it? Hang on a sec... ...... ...... Thanks for waiting!"
  • If box has less than 15 Pokémon
"<player>, your Box has room for <number> more Pokémon. Get out there and fill it up!"
  • If box has at least 15 Pokémon
"<player>, your Box has room for only <number> more Pokémon. Maybe you should switch your Box"
  • If box is full
"<player>, your Box is full! You'll have to switch Boxes if you want to catch more Pokémon."
  • When player fills up a Box (automatic call)
"Hi, <player>? It's me, Bill! Thanks for using my Storage System. That last Pokémon you sent filled your Box up. You'll have to switch Boxes if you want to catch more Pokémon. Bye now!"

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

Sea Cottage
"Hiya! I'm a Pokémon... ...No I'm not! Call me Bill! I'm a true-blue Pokémaniac! Hey! What's with that skeptical look? I'm not joshing you, pal/lady. I screwed up an experiment and got combined with a Pokémon! So, how about it? Help me out there!"
"No!? Now don't be so cold! Come on, you gotta help a guy in deep, deep trouble! What do you say, chief/beautiful? Please? Okay? All right! Wait till I get inside the Teleporter. When I do, go to my PC and run the Cell Separation System."
  • After helping him
"Yeehah! Thanks, bud/lady! I owe you one! So, did you come to see my Pokémon collection? You didn't? That's a bummer. I've got to thank you... Oh, here, maybe this'll do. That cruise ship S.S.Anne is in Vermilion City. I hear there are lots of Trainers on board, too. They invited me to their party, but I can't stand fancy do's. Why don't you go instead of me? Go and have a good time."
  • After returning to his house
"Feel like checking out some of my rare Pokémon on my PC? Go on, check out my PC."
Cinnabar Island
  • After defeating Blaine
"Huh? Hey, if it isn't <player>! Look, it's me, Bill. Long time no see! I hope you're still using my PC system. Well, listen, since we met up here, how about spending time with me? There's this little island in the far south called One Island. A friend invited me, so I'm on my way out there. How about it? Do you feel like coming with me?
No: "What, are you too busy? Well, all right. The boat hasn't arrived yet anyway. I'll be waiting at the Pokémon Center over there. Come see me when you're done with your business here."
Yes: "All right, then. Let's go!"
"Looks like my pal's boat arrived, too. He sent it specially here to Cinnabar to pick me up."
  • In the Pokémon Center, if the player declined the offer
"Hey, you kept me waiting! Ready to set sail to One Island?
No: "Oh, you're still not done yet?"
Yes: "Well, that's it. Let's go!"
"Looks like my pal's boat arrived, too. He sent it specially here to Cinnabar to pick me up."
  • After returning from One Island
"Hey, wasn't that a long cruise? My buddy Celio seemed to enjoy your company. I'm sure he'd welcome you if you were to visit him again. If you have a Tri-Pass, you can always take a ferry there from Vermilion Port. All right, thanks for your company!"
One Island
"Here we are! This is One Island. There are several islands around here, and this is one of them. My friend Celio sent the boat to fetch me here. He's in charge of the island's PC network by his lonesome. ...Why am I telling you this now? Let's just go see Celio!"
Pokémon Network Center
  • Upon the player's arrival
"Hey, there! Celio!"
"Well, absolutely! How's your research coming along? ...Oh, wait a sec. <Player>, this is my buddy Celio. He's one dedicated PC Maniac! Celio, this is <player>, a rising contender as the Pokémon Champ!"
"So, bring me up to speed. How's your machine running?"
"Oh, yeah? Okay, let me take a look-see. ...Hand on here... I think we can make it work. Let me help you, okay? <Player>, can I get you to wait for me just a bit? ...Actually, can I get you to do me a favor? The island next to this one's called Two Island. There's a guy there that runs a Game Corner. He has this thing for rare rocks and gems. We keep in touch, being fellow maniacs. So, can I get you to deliver this Meteorite to him?"
"I'll catch you later! Say hi to the guy for me!"
"Hmm... How about we try this like this..."
  • After visiting Three Island, before rescuing Lostelle
"Oh, hey, <player>! Did you see? We got the PC working! I've got a few things to show Celio here. Can you go out on a stroll or something for a little more?"
  • After rescuing Lostelle
"Oh, hey! <Player!>"
"What kept you so long? Been out having a good time? We got it done. The PCs are up and running!"
"No, no! There was almost nothing left for me to do. Celio, I have to hand it to you. You've learned a lot."
"Well, there you have it. I'm finished with the job. We should head back to Kanto. Celio, I'll be seeing you again."

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

  This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Ecruteak City
"Hi, I'm Bill. And who are you? Hmm, <player>, huh? You know what? I'm the one who developed the system to transfer Pokémon. But it couldn't have been done by me alone. For example, do you know the Hoenn region? This girl Lanette from Hoenn made the Pokémon Storage System easier to use. My friends all over the world are working together to improve the Pokémon trade and storage systems. I have to hurry on back to Goldenrod and see my folks. Buh-bye!"
Goldenrod City
  • After talking to him at the Ecruteak City Pokémon Center
"Hi, <player>! Would you do something for me and take this Eevee? It came over when I was adjusting the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Someone has to take care of it, but I don't like being outside. Can I count on you to play with it, <player>?
Yes: "I knew you'd come through! You're the real deal! Way to go! OK, I'm counting on you. Take good care of it!"
No:
  • If the player is carrying six Pokémon
  • After receiving Eevee
"Professor Elm said Eevee can evolve into seven different kinds of Pokémon!"
  • Subsequent visits
"I used to do experiments on transferring things. Both the GTS and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection were inspired by my machine that transfers things!"
Pokégear
  • If there is still available PC storage
"Good morning!/Good day!/Good evening! This is the Pokémon Storage System Administration Service. Who's calling? <player>, is it? Hang on a sec... ... ... Well, you're starting on the PC Box named <name of currently selected box> right now. That's an easy-to-remember name. Easy to remember is the best way to go. OK, including the space left in <name of currently selected box>, you can still hold <amount of free storage system space> more Pokémon in the PC. Call again sometime..."
  • If the PC storage is full

Artwork

   
Official artwork from
Generation I
Official artwork from
Generation II

Sprites

             
Overworld sprite from
Generation I
Transformed
sprite from
Generation I
Overworld sprite from
Generation II
Overworld sprite from
Generation III
Transformed
sprite from
Generation III
Bill's Fame Checker sprite from
Generation III
Overworld sprite from
Generation IV

In the spin-off games

In the Trading Card Game series

The Bill card is available in both Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!. In the latter game, two new Bill-related cards are added: Bill's Teleporter (a reference to the teleporter found in Bill's home, the Sea Cottage) and Bill's PC (a reference to the Pokémon Storage System invented by Bill).

Gallery

       
Bill (GB1) Bill (GB2) Bill's Teleporter Bill's PC

In the anime

 
Bill in the anime

Bill's only anime appearance was in Mystery at the Lighthouse, where Ash, Misty, and Brock met him at his lighthouse on Route 25.

Bill had previously been trapped in a Kabuto costume for what he claims to have been hours (in the dub only; the original didn't state how long he had been in the costume) until Ash finally comes to press the release button for him. Afterwards, Bill fulfills a request made by Professor Oak to give Ash and his friends a lesson on the basics of Pokémon, during which Bill shares the idea that there may be many more than just 150 species of Pokémon. The remainder of his appearance is spent focused on explaining to Ash and company his recent project, involving a mysterious Pokémon whose cry can be heard across the sea.

Pokémon


This article is missing information on this character's Japanese voice actor and English voice actor.
You can help by adding this information.


Studied

 
Dragonite
As Bill was reminiscing, the same sound from his memory was heard and a large figure appeared, rising from the ocean. As it came closer, it was revealed to be the outline of a Dragonite. As it came closer to the lighthouse, Team Rocket was shown scaling the cliff, and upon seeing the giant Dragonite, they began launching a barrage of missiles at it. This angered Dragonite, and it smashed the top of the lighthouse and began to walk away. Bill called out at it to stay, but to no avail.

In the morning, Bill seemed to be at peace with the fact that he didn't get to learn more about the Pokémon and was simply grateful he got to see it at all. With another life lesson from Bill, the heroes said goodbye and continued on their journey.

None of Dragonite's moves are known.

Debut Mystery at the Lighthouse

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 小野坂昌也 Masaya Onosaka
English Adam Blaustein
Czech Petr Burian
Finnish Mikael Kokko
German Dominik Auer
Hungarian Péter Bozsó
Norwegian Trond Teigen
Polish Wojciech Majchrzak
Brazilian Portuguese Marcelo Campos
Spanish Latin America Irwin Daayán
Spain Ricardo Escobar


In the TCG

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Bill or his services in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Bill
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Bill T Base Set   91/102 Expansion Pack    
Base Set 2   118/130      
      Chikorita Half Deck
Totodile Half Deck
  20
25
Legendary Collection   108/110      
Bill T [Su]       P Promotional cards   009/P
Bill Su HeartGold & SoulSilver   069/070 HeartGold Collection   069/070
      Steelix Constructed Standard Deck   018/019
      Tyranitar Constructed Standard Deck   017/019
Gyarados Half Deck   5/30
18/30
     
Bill's Teleporter T Neo Genesis   91/111 Gold, Silver, to a New World...    
Bill's Teleporter T [Su]       Pokémon Web   015/048
Mail from Bill T Neo Destiny   105/105 Darkness, and to Light...    
Bill's Maintenance T [Su] Expedition Base Set   137/165 Base Expansion Pack   060/128
EX FireRed & LeafGreen   87/112 Flight of Legends   080/082
      Venusaur/Charizard/Blastoise Half Deck   052/052
      Gift Box Emerald   015/019
      Grass Quick Construction Pack
Psychic Quick Construction Pack
  010/015
      Crawdaunt Quarter Deck   009/015
EX Crystal Guardians   71/100 Ocean's Kyogre ex Constructed Starter Deck   015/016
      Earth's Groudon ex Constructed Starter Deck   015/016
POP Series 5   6/17      
Celestial Storm   126/168 Champion Road   064/066
Celestial Storm   162/168 Champion Road   076/066
Bill's PC PC       Extended Sheet 3    
Bill's Analysis T [Su] Team Up   133/181 Tag Bolt   089/095
 


TCG artwork

 
Artwork of Bill performing maintenance by
Ken Sugimori

In the manga

Bill makes appearances in several manga, including How I Became a Pokémon Card, Pokémon Adventures, Pokémon Zensho, and The Electric Tale of Pikachu.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

 
Bill in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Bill appears in Clefairy Tale. He works with Professor Oak researching a colony of Clefairy at Mt. Moon. He was the one to discover the colony of Clefairy and has befriended many of them. Together with Professor Oak and Ash, he assists the Clefairy with an evolution ceremony.

Bill also reveals parts of his past to Ash. In the beginning, Bill only became a Pokémon Trainer because he didn't like school and wanted to take a leave of absence, but as time went on, he discovered that he deeply cared for his Pokémon. He decided to become a Pokémon researcher after witnessing his Ivysaur evolving into Venusaur.

Bill reappears with Professor Oak in Side Story: Ash vs. Gary at a Pokémon research center.

Pokémon

 
Ivysaur → Venusaur
When Bill was telling Ash his story about becoming a Pokémon Trainer, a flashback showed his Ivysaur evolving into a Venusaur. This motivated Bill into becoming a Pokémon researcher.

None of Venusaur's moves are known.

Debut Clefairy Tale

In the How I Became a Pokémon Card manga

 
Bill in How I Became a Pokémon Card

In the first chapter of How I Became a Pokémon Card, a younger Bill rescues a lost Dratini from an angry crowd and it lives with him for a couple of days, until its father, an angry Dragonite, begins to go on a rampage. Dratini returns home, promising to always be friends with Bill.

Pokémon

Befriended
 
Dratini
Bill rescued this Dratini when he was young. This Dratini stayed with him until a Dragonite who was Dratini's father goes berserk. Dratini returns home promising to be with Bill again someday.

Dratini's only known move is Wrap*.

Debut The Day Dratini Grew Up

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Bill (Adventures)

Bill appears as a supporting character in Pokémon Adventures.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

 
Bill in Golden Boys

Bill appears in Gold and Black VS. Team Rocket, where he tells Gold and Whitney all the folklore of Ecruteak City, including the legends of Ho-Oh, the legendary beasts, and the story of the Bell Tower and the Brass Tower. Later, when Bill, Gold, and the Gym Leaders are held hostage by Grey and the other Rockets, he loans his Espeon and Umbreon to Gold and Black.

He reappears in a flashback in Farewell To Pikachu?!.

Pokémon

This listing is for Bill's Pokémon in the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga.

 
Espeon
Espeon was one of the Pokémon that was immune to the radio waves caused by Team Rocket. It was given to Gold for the time being in order to stop Team Rocket.

Espeon's only known move is Quick Attack.

Debut Gold and Black VS Team Rocket
 
Umbreon
When Team Rocket were controlling Pokémon using the radio waves, Bill had an Umbreon that was immune to the effect. In order for Black to defeat Team Rocket, he was given Umbreon temporarily.

None of Umbreon's moves are known.

Debut Gold and Black VS Team Rocket

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

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Bill in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Bill and his wife were transformed into a leopard and Mew respectively from an unsuccessful experiment. After doing so, Bill's wife went out to search for a Moon Stone in order to get changed back to humans. She managed to find the Moon Stone that Red and Green were searching for. They followed her and arrived in an abandoned water mill. Bill introduced himself and explained that he created the unknown Pokémon. However, the Pokémon Bill created turned out to be just plush dolls instead of real Pokémon. Bill wanted to use Red for one of his experiments but was stopped by his wife. His wife explained the story about their transformations to the group and why she took the Moon Stone from them. Green tried to catch her, thinking that she was a real Mew but was stopped from doing so by Bill.

 
Bill as a leopard

When Clefairy battled Green's Charizard, Bill went to one of the machines to shrink Charizard but it ended up shrinking both Clefairy and Charizard since the former did not leave the machine on time. Bill and his wife changed back into humans using the Moon Stone.

 
Bill's Johto appearance

In Bring Down the Strongest Pokémon!!, Giovanni kidnapped Bill and his wife in order to finish creating Mewtwo since Giovanni only created the first half. Giovanni blackmailed Bill into working on creating Mewtwo. With Mewtwo completed, Bill's wife was released, and she and Bill went up to Mew to see if it was okay. When Clefairy battled Mewtwo, Clefairy used the DNA switching machine causing Clefairy to transform into Mewtwo. Since the machine ran out of power, Red's Pikachu used his electricity to charge it up and Clefairy's DNA went to Giovanni's other Pokémon.

In Find the Legendary Pokémon!!, a Kimono Girl takes Red and his Pokémon to Bill after they were playing around in the Brass Tower. Bill shows them his Time Capsule machine and demonstrates it on a guy about to get hit by a car, Tyrogue runs to the car and gets hit instead. Bill then ponders about his past which made Clefairy interested and wants the group to try it out. They go in the time machine and he sends them back in time.

Pokémon

Temporary
 
Mew
Main article: Bill's wife

Mew was the wife of Bill. She was searching for a Moon Stone in order to change herself and Bill back to humans.

Debut Obtain the Moon Stone!

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

 
Bill in Pokémon Zensho

Bill appeared in PZ04. He had gotten fused with his Nidoran♂ by accident and was briefly caught by Satoshi while checking his mail. However, upon finding out what had happened, Satoshi helped separate Bill from his Pokémon. As a sign of gratitude, Bill let Satoshi add the Eevee family's data from his computer to his Pokédex, as well as giving him a ticket to the S.S. Anne.

Pokémon

 
Nidoran♂
Nidoran♂ is Bill's only known Pokémon, which he accidentally got fused with during a test with his machine. Upon seeing it, Satoshi caught Nidoran♂, but later helped Bill separate from it after finding out what had happened.

None of Nidoran♂'s moves are known.

Debut Vermilion City


Trivia

  • Bill being mixed with a Pokémon during a teleportation experiment may be a reference to the movie The Fly, where a scientist experimenting with teleportation pods ends up combined with a fly.
  • In FireRed and LeafGreen, if a player declines to go to the Sevii Islands after defeating Blaine, Bill will wait in Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Center. During this period, he can be found both at his home on Route 25 and on Cinnabar Island at the same time.
  • In Generation II and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, a fan of Bill's named Brent will reveal trivia about Bill via the Pokégear. The information shared include the fact that Bill's younger sister can't wink, Bill's first Pokémon caught was Abra, his mother used to be a Kimono Girl, Bill is lactose intolerant (also claimed by Celio in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen), he isn't very good at Pokémon battles, and that Bill is attracted to the Goldenrod Flower Shop owner's daughter.
  • In the English dub of the anime, his Kansai dialect is portrayed as a British English accent, while in the Pokémon Adventures manga, this becomes a southern American accent.
  • Bill's anime design was later recycled for an unnamed lookalike from Hoenn Alone! and a character of the day named Dominick from the Hoenn region.
  • The Pokémon Bill is mixed with is different in each canon: in Generation I he is mixed with an unknown Pokémon, in Generation III he is mixed with a Clefairy, in Generation VII he is mixed with a Nidorino, in the Pokémon Adventures manga he is mixed with a Rattata, in the Pokémon Zensho manga he is mixed with a Nidoran♂, and in the anime he is trapped in a Kabuto costume.
  • According to a Pokémon Daisuki Club site describing the Pokémon world, Bill studied at Celadon University.
  • Bill is one of only two Storage System developers to have appeared in the anime.
  • In the Chuang Yi translation of Pokémon Pocket Monsters his Japanese name, Masaki, is used.
  • In the iTunes description for Mystery at the Lighthouse Bill is referred to as McKenzie, which is similar to his Japanese name.

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese ソネザキマサキ
Masaki Sonezaki
From 正木 masaki (Japanese spindle) and possibly みさき misaki (cape), referring to where he lives.
English, German,
Italian, Spanish
Bill Possibly from Bill Gates, former head of Microsoft and developer of the Microsoft Windows operating system for PCs.
French Léo Possibly from Link Everything Online.
Korean 이수재 Lee Sujae From 수재 (秀才) sujae, meaning a very talented person, referring to his Pokémon research expertise in many fields.
Chinese (Mandarin) 曾根崎正輝 / 曾根崎正辉
Cénggēnqí Zhènghuī
From the Japanese 曾根崎 Sonezaki and 正輝 Masaki. 輝 (radiance) is also a possible reference to his lighthouse on the cape.
Chinese (Cantonese) 正輝 Jingfāi From 正輝 Masaki. 輝 (radiance) is also a possible reference to his lighthouse on the cape.
Thai มาซากิ Masaki Transliteration of his Japanese name.
Vietnamese Sonezaki Masaki Transliteration of his Japanese name.


Pokémon Storage System developers
Bill (Adventures) • LanetteBrigetteCelioBebeHayleyAmanitaCassiusMolayne (Masters) • Grand Oak


Non-player characters in the core series games
Kanto Professor OakMom (Kanto)Mom (LGPE)RedBlueGreenTraceDaisyOld manBillCelioMr. FujiSafari Zone WardenCopycatPrimoKoichi
Pokémon Fan Club ChairmanErik and SaraLostelleTealaSelphyCalSteven StoneMayleneMinaCameronMr. GameMorimoto
Team RocketGym guideGym LeadersElite FourProfessors' aidesMagikarp salesmanName RaterDay-Care PersonMr. Hyper


Main characters
Ash KetchumPikachuGary OakRitchieMay OakProfessor OakDelia KetchumJessieJamesMeowth
Gym Leaders
BrockMistyKogaSabrinaGiovanniRudyDrake
Other
A.J.AyaBillDamianDarioDuplicaEevee brothersGiselleJeanette FisherOfficer JennyJoeNurse Joy
Lara LaramieMahriMelanieMikeyMimiProfessor OrvillePotterFlorinda ShowersRubySamuraiTommy


RedClefairyPikachuTogepiTyrogueConkeldurrDedenneChespinFroakie
PM GreenBlueYellowGoldSilver
Professor OakBillBill's wife
BrockMistyLt. SurgeErikaSabrinaKogaBlaineGiovanniLoreleiBrunoAgathaLance
Professor ElmEarlClefairy RangersKurtDJ MaryChairmanKiyo
FalknerBugsyWhitneyMortyJasmineChuckPryceClairWillKaren
PMRS RubySapphireRedBlue
Professor BirchMr. StoneMr. BrineyMaxieTetsuyaRydelRydel's rival
Dr. TakedaScott
NormanRoxanneBrawlyWattson
PMDP DiaKazuki
Professor RowanMarsLookerCharon
Dai FugōOkane Daisukī
RoarkAaron
PMBW BlackBiancaCheren
Professor JuniperNCedric JuniperGhetsis
CilanChiliCressLenoraBurghElesaClaySkylaShauntalMarshalGrimsleyCaitlinAlder
PMXY ShaunaProfessor SycamoreSerena
PMSM HalaLillie
  This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.