Giovanni

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Revision as of 17:35, 2 August 2020 by TehPerson (talk | contribs) (side series and spin off, as defined by bp, is the same thing, so separate sections are unnecessary)
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If you were looking for the character in the games whose Japanese name is Giovanni, see Earl Dervish. For the episode of Pokémon Origins, see File 3: Giovanni.

Giovanni
サカキ Sakaki
"The Self-Proclaimed Strongest Trainer"
Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Giovanni.png
Artwork from Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee!
Gender Male
Eye color Black
Hair color Black
Hometown Viridian City
Region Kanto
Relatives Silver (son)
Madame Boss (mother, anime)
Unnamed twin brother*
Trainer class BossRBYFRLG/Rocket BossHGSS/Team Rocket BossPE
Gym LeaderRBYFRLGPE
Pokémon TrainerB2W2USUM
Team Rainbow RocketUSUM
The BossGO
Generation I, III, IV, V, VII
Games Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, White 2, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee!, Stadium, Masters, Pokémon GO
Leader of Viridian Gym
Badge Earth Badge
Specializes in Ground types
Member of Team Rocket
Team Rainbow Rocket
Team GO Rocket
Rank Boss
Game animation debut Pokémon Origins
English voice actor Jamieson Price (Origins)
Richard Epcar (Generations)
Andrew Russell (Masters)
Japanese voice actor Rikiya Koyama (Origins)
Akio Ōtsuka (Generations)
Kōji Ishii (Masters)
Anime counterpart Giovanni
Counterpart debut Battle Aboard the St. Anne
Manga counterpart(s) Giovanni (Adventures),
Giovanni (Pocket Monsters)

Giovanni (Japanese: サカキ Sakaki) is the former head of Team Rocket, who served as the secretive Gym Leader of Viridian City's Gym, known officially as the Viridian Gym. He handed out the Earth Badge to Trainers who defeated him. As a Gym Leader, he specialized in Ground-type Pokémon, but his master plan includes collecting rare Pokémon of all types. In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, he makes a return appearance as the leader of Team Rainbow Rocket. He is the only character in the games to have the Trainer classes BossFRLG/Rocket BossHGSS/Team Rocket BossPE (Japanese: ロケットだんボス Team Rocket Boss) and Team Rainbow Rocket (Japanese: Rロケットだん Team R Rocket).

In the core series

Giovanni is the primary antagonist of the games taking place in Kanto.

In the first games Giovanni appeared in, he served a dual role: one that was well known to the residents of Kanto, and one that was more secret. He was first shown as the leader of the villainous Team Rocket, the first of many criminal organizations to grace the Pokémon games. After the player defeated him and his team of Grunts at Silph Co., Giovanni fled to a hideout that the player is unaware of. Once the player returned to Viridian City, one of the major plot twists of these games revealed that Giovanni, in addition to his role as a criminal, was the final Gym Leader to be fought before the Elite Four—albeit one without a formal title. Here, he specializes in the Ground type. Once defeated, he disbanded Team Rocket and left the player with the Earth Badge and TM27 (Fissure). If talked to again, he then vanishes and is not seen again for the rest of the game.

Giovanni's role in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is much the same; the one difference is that defeating him in the Gym battle will earn the player TM26 (Earthquake), instead of TM27 (Fissure). He also implies that he intends to return to power one day rather than being moved to dedicate his life to the study of Pokémon. There is a side-plot in the Sevii Islands that revolves around Giovanni; a group of Team Rocket members are trying to continue the aims of Team Rocket, but they abandon this when they realize that their leader has been defeated once and for all.

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Giovanni's story is slightly expanded from his first appearance. During his first appearance, he is seen talking with Archer and giving him the permission to proceed with the plan to take over Silph Co. After being defeated for the first time, he gives the player the Silph Scope as a token of apology for mocking them, as opposed to just leaving the device behind before leaving, like in previous games. At the Silph Co., a part of his conversation with the Silph Co. President is shown, with Giovanni demanding him to hand over the Master Ball like they had previously agreed. In the Gym battle, Giovanni's reward TM once again contains Earthquake, although now, it's TM41, instead of TM26.

In Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, a group of Team Rocket members tries to relaunch the old team. They take over Goldenrod Radio Tower, and broadcast a radio announcement intended for Giovanni. Only in HeartGold and SoulSilver is it revealed that Giovanni does hear the broadcast, from his hideout in Tohjo Falls - an event in the remakes involving a time-traveling Celebi allows Ethan and Lyra to travel back in time and defeat Giovanni at the same time the rest of Team Rocket is being defeated at the Radio Tower. Upon defeat, he will begin ranting about how he keeps losing to children and, like before, Giovanni will leave the room and disappear. Later, in Kanto, it is revealed that Blue took over the Viridian Gym after his disappearance.

The Celebi event also reveals some of Giovanni's background from the three years between Generation I/III and Generation II/IV. While it was mentioned by Scientist Gideon in FireRed and LeafGreen that Giovanni has a son with red hair, the son's identity wasn't revealed until the time travel event in HeartGold and SoulSilver. As many fans speculated (and as was mentioned in the Pokémon Adventures manga series), this son is the rival of the Johto player character, Silver. Much of Silver's personality is a result of the treatment he received from Giovanni, which includes abandonment. Like many of Giovanni's other actions throughout the games, this reflects on his selfishness.

Giovanni reappears in Black 2 and White 2 in the Pokémon World Tournament, replacing Blue, who instead participates in the Champions Tournament. Giovanni returns to using Ground types exclusively. While the announcer usually introduces Gym Leaders by their title, Giovanni, who does not have a title, is introduced as "The Self-Proclaimed Strongest Trainer" (Japanese: さいきょうの トレーナーと なのる Self-Proclaimed Strongest Trainer).

Giovanni appears again in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon as the Boss of the new Team Rainbow Rocket, featured in Episode RR. He is first seen during the Aether Foundation's broadcast from Aether Paradise, where he seizes control of the organization from Lusamine. He fortifies himself inside Team Rocket's Castle and stations versions of Archie, Maxie, Cyrus, Lysandre, and Ghetsis from other worlds as his guards, along with an army of Team Rainbow Rocket Grunts. After battling through his army, the player and Lillie find Giovanni holding an unconscious Lusamine inside his control center deep within the castle. He introduces himself and reveals that he plans to create an army of Ultra Beasts in order to conquer all worlds. For that purpose, he needs the Aether Foundation's resources, and intends to brainwash Lusamine into serving him. Feeling nostalgic that a child would challenge him, Giovanni battles the player with a party that includes Mewtwo, and is ultimately defeated. Accepting his loss, Giovanni abandons his plans for the Aether Foundation but swears that Team Rainbow Rocket will never fall. He leaves as Colress begins working to revert Team Rocket's Castle back into Lusamine's mansion, and is last seen reflecting on what he will do next before being warped away.

A battle program based on Giovanni appears as a boss in the Battle Agency within Festival Plaza.

Fame Checker

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

Rocket HQ - Giovanni
What does this person do?
Team Rocket captures Pokémon from around the world. They're important tools for keeping our criminal enterprise going. I am the leader, Giovanni!
Silph Co. - Scientist
Favorite kind of Pokémon?
Those thugs that took over our building... Their Boss said he was looking for strong Pokémon.
Silph Co. - Scientist
What is this person like?
Team Rocket's Boss is terribly cruel! To him, Pokémon are just tools to be used.
Viridian Gym - Giovanni
What does this person do?
Welcome to my hideout! It shall be so until I can restore Team Rocket to its former glory.
Viridian Gym - Man
What does this person do?
Blow me away! Giovanni was the Gym Leader of Viridian?
Rocket Warehouse - Team Rocket Scientist Gideon
Family and Friends?
You... You're not Giovanni's kid, are you? No, that can't be right. Giovanni's kid has red hair.
Message from Giovanni
  • From: Giovanni
  • To: [Player]
"There is nothing I wish to say to you.
I will concentrate solely on bettering myself, and none other."

Pokémon

Pokémon Red and Blue

First battle



Second battle



Gym battle



Pokémon Yellow

First battle



Second battle



Gym battle



Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

First battle



Second battle



Gym battle



Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver



Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament

Giovanni uses three of these Pokémon in Single Battles, four in Double and Rotation Battles, and all six in Triple Battles. Giovanni will always lead with his signature Pokémon, Rhyperior.

Kanto Leaders Tournament



Type Expert/World Leaders Tournament



Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Giovanni's Pokémon are kept in Master Balls. His Mewtwo's moveset and Mega Stone differ between the two versions.

Pokémon Ultra Sun



Pokémon Ultra Moon



Battle Agency



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

First battle



Second battle



Gym battle



Quotes

Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

Rocket Hideout
  • Before battle
"So! I must say, I am impressed you got here!"
  • Being defeated
"WHAT! This cannot be!"
  • After being defeated
"I see that you raise Pokémon with utmost care. A child like you would never understand what I hope to achieve. I shall step aside this time! I hope we meet again..."
Silph Co.
  • Before battle
"Ah, <player>! So we meet again! The President and I are discussing a vital business proposition. Keep your nose out of grown-up matters... Or experience a world of pain!"
  • Being defeated
"Arrgh!! I lost again!?"
  • After being defeated
"Blast it all! You ruined our plans for Silph! But Team Rocket will never fall! <Player>, never forget that all Pokémon exist for Team Rocket! I must go, but I shall return!"
Viridian Gym
  • Before battle
"Fwahahaha! This is my hideout! I planned to resurrect Team Rocket here! But, you have caught me again! So be it! This time, I'm not holding back! Once more, you shall face Giovanni, the greatest trainer!"
  • Being defeated
"Ha! That was a truly intense fight! You have won! As proof, here is the EarthBadge!"
  • After being defeated
"The EarthBadge makes Pokémon of any level obey! It is evidence of your mastery as a Pokémon trainer! With it, you can enter the Pokémon League! It is my gift for your Pokémon League challenge!"
"TM27 is Fissure! It will take out Pokémon with just one hit! I made it when I ran the Gym here, too long ago..."
"Having lost, I cannot face my underlings! Team Rocket is finished forever! I will dedicate my life to the study of Pokémon! Let us meet again some dayRB/somedayY! Farewell!"

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

Rocket Hideout
  • Before battle
"So! I must say, I am impressed you got here. Team Rocket captures Pokémon from around the world. They're important tools for keeping our criminal enterprise going. I am the leader, Giovanni! For your insolence, you will feel a world of pain!"
  • Being defeated
"WHAT! This can't be!"
  • After being defeated
"I see that you raise Pokémon with utmost care. A child like you would never understand what I hope to achieve. I shall step aside this time! I hope we meet again..."
Silph Co.
  • Before battle
"Ah, <player>! So we meet again! The President and I are discussing a vital business proposition. Keep your nose out of grown-up matters... Or experience a world of pain!"
  • Being defeated
"Arrgh!! I lost again!?"
  • After being defeated
"Blast it all! You ruined our plans for Silph! But Team Rocket will never fall! <Player>, never forget that all Pokémon exist for Team Rocket! I must go, but I shall return!"
Viridian Gym
  • Before battle
"Fwahahaha! Welcome to my hideout! It shall be so until I can restore Team Rocket to its former glory. But, you have found me again. So be it. This time, I'm not holding back! Once more, you shall face Giovanni, the greatest Trainer!"
  • Being defeated
"Ha! That was a truly intense fight. You have won! As proof, here is the EarthBadge!"
  • After being defeated
"The EarthBadge makes Pokémon of any level obey without question. It is evidence of your mastery as a Pokémon Trainer. With it, you can challenge the Pokémon League. Also, take this TM. Consider it a gift for your Pokémon League challenge."
"TM26 contains Earthquake. It is a powerful attack that causes a massive tremor. I made it when I ran the Gym here, far too long ago..."
"Having lost in this fashion, I can't face my followers. I have betrayed their trust. As of today, Team Rocket is finished forever! As for myself, I shall dedicate my life to training again. Let us meet again someday! Farewell!"

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Route 22 (event)
".................. One must acknowledge one's defeat before he can move on... I will go solo...for now... So that one day I will form a stronger organization!"
"Putting together the potential of many is how you produce a huge power... That's what an organization is... That's the strength of an organization! I failed...to make the best use of my subordinates' potential...! But you shall witness one day the revival of me and my Team Rocket!"
".................. One day, you will understand."
Tohjo Falls (event)
  • Upon the player's arrival
"... I don't know why you have come here. Anyway, I have to warn you that this is not a place for kids like you."
"You have a certain look... It reminds me of the kid who stood in front of me three years ago... You have the same eyes... I'm on my way to Goldenrod City to answer the call and join my team. Are you going to get in my way?"
"My old associates need me... We will not repeat the failure of three years ago! Team Rocket will be born again, and I will rule the world!"
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"What in the world was that? Don't tell me some inexperienced kid can possibly be that strong!"
  • During battle, last Pokémon low on health
"What was that?"
  • Being defeated
"What in the world are you?"
  • After being defeated
"How this is possible...? The past three years have been a waste...? How can a kid like you manage to destroy my dream once again? The precious dream of Team Rocket has become little more than an illusion..."
  • If the player is defeated
"Mark my words. Not being able to measure your own strength shows that you are still but a child."

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament
  • Before battle (all rounds)
"For your insolence, you will feel a world of pain!"
  • Being defeated
"What? Me, lose?!"
  • If the player is defeated
"Ha! That was a truly intense fight!"
  • After being defeated
"Haarg! I lose?! There is nothing I wish to say to you!"
  • After winning
"I hope we meet again..."
  • In the lobby, after the tournament
"I'll tell you this now... No matter how strong you are, someday you'll lose."

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Aether Paradise (TV broadcast)
"The technology of the Aether Foundation... the knowledge of other worlds—it will be very useful to Team Rocket... or rather... Team Rainbow Rocket!"
Team Rocket's Castle
  • Before battle
"Well, well... I had been informed of the intruders, but not that they were kids like you!"
"I had allowed the other bosses to do as they wished, hoping they would be of use... But it seems you have defeated all of them. I am impressed you got here."
"Indeed! Team Rocket's goal was to use all the Pokémon and control the world. But now, I have a bigger, better organization. Team Rainbow Rocket!"
"And I, Giovanni, am its leader!"
"The president will not awaken for some time. I have used the power of that Ultra Beast to make her sleep... And when she awakens next, she will be a loyal servant to my will!"
"Team Rainbow Rocket will conquer all worlds! We will build an army of UBs! But in order for this precious dream to be realized, we need the technology of the Aether Foundation—the technology of other worlds!"
"But I also appreciate the skill it took you to get this far."
"I like those who show strength! Why not put that strength to good use, in my Team Rainbow Rocket?"
Yes: "Hah! You are calm enough to joke, I see."
No: "Hah! Of course that would be your answer."
"Having a kid stand in front of me like this... Such a thing should never happen. But for some reason, it also makes me feel nostalgic."
"If you insist on disrupting my plans, I will make you feel a world of pain!"
  • Being defeated
"Ha! That was a truly intense fight!"
  • After being defeated
"...I see you have raised your Pokémon with utmost care. It would be foolish to fight such a kid with all my might. Ha, very well. I will leave Aether Paradise in your hands."
"But remember, my Team Rainbow Rocket will never fail! Never forget that!"
"I shall step aside this time! I hope we meet again..."
Aether Paradise
"Hah... That boy/girl had quite some talent..."
"Now...what new world shall I unleash my evil schemes upon...?"

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

Team Rocket Hideout
"Two of my underlings decided to bring it here, without my permission."
  • Before battle against Archer
"Hmph... A machine that lets you see what otherwise cannot be seen... It's nothing but a useless toy. Still... Yes, this could do. Carry on, Archer, with your plans to take over Silph Co. for Team Rocket."
  • Before battle
"So! You defeated Archer... I must say—I am impressed you got here. Team Rocket captures Pokémon from around the world. They're important tools for keeping our criminal enterprise going. And I am the leader of this enterprise...Giovanni! ...What? You want me to release the Cubone?"
"Fwahahahaha! You came barging into our hideout just for that? What an amusing child. But... For your insolence, you will feel a world of pain!"
  • Being defeated
"What?! This can't be!"
  • After being defeated
"So I too am defeated by a child... Do as you wish with that Cubone."
"And take this. As my apology for mocking you as a child."
"...I can see you raise Pokémon with utmost care. But you would never understand what I hope to achieve. ... ... ... I shall step aside this time! But I hope we will meet and battle again!"
Silph Co.
  • Before battle
"Now, now, Mr. President. I hope you're not thinking of lying to me. The Master Ball... You successfully created one, didn't you!"
"How dare you?!"
"We had a deal! You agreed to this! ...You're a smart man. I'm sure you can imagine what will happen to your people if you say no to me now."
"Ah. Young <player>. So we meet again! The president of Silph and I are discussing a vital business proposition. Keep your nose out of grown-up matters... Or experience a world of pain!"
  • Being defeated
"Argh! I lost again?!"
  • After being defeated
"Blast... I have little choice, it seems. I will relinquish Silph for now. But Team Rocket will never fall! <player>! Never forget... All Pokémon exist for Team Rocket's use! I may leave you now, but we will meet again!"
Viridian Gym
  • Before battle
"Fwahahaha! Welcome to my hideout! It shall be so until I can restore Team Rocket to its former glory. But you have found me again. So be it. This time, I'm not holding back! Once more, then! You shall face Giovanni, the greatest Trainer!"
  • Being defeated
"*pant pant* That was a truly intense fight."
  • After being defeated
"Yet again, I am defeated... As proof of your victory... here is your Earth Badge!"
"An Earth Badge makes all Pokémon obey you... regardless of how high their level is or who originally caught them. It is proof of your mastery as a Pokémon Trainer. With it, you can challenge the Pokémon League. And this TM... A gift for a Trainer who dares take on the challenge of the Pokémon League."
"TM41 contains Earthquake. It's a powerful attack that causes a massive tremor to deal damage to opponents. I made it...a very long time ago. Back when I ran this Gym, far too long ago."
"I can't face my followers after being defeated like this. Team Rocket is... As of today, Team Rocket is finished!"
"As for myself, I shall dedicate my life to Pokémon training again."
"Let us meet again someday! Farewell!"

In the side series

Pokémon Stadium

In Pokémon Stadium, Giovanni is the Gym Leader of the Viridian Gym's Gym Leader Castle.

Pokémon

Round 1



Round 2



Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!

In Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!, the The Boss's Way card is available. The boss mentioned by the card is Giovanni.

Pokémon Puzzle League

In Pokémon Puzzle League, Giovanni is one of the foes found in the 1P Stadium and Spa Service modes. Giovanni's Pokémon are Sandslash, Persian, and Nidoking. His location is misspelled as "Virdian City", in his character profile.

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Giovanni is the head of Team GO Rocket. Giovanni's possible locations can be found using the Super Rocket Radar. If the real Giovanni is located, he will challenge the player to battle. Giovanni uses a team of three Shadow Pokémon in a Trainer Battle, each independently and randomly selected from separate pools. Green-colored cells denote the Pokémon that will be encountered during the bonus challenge.

Initially, the Shadow Legendary Pokémon Giovanni uses changed on the first of each month.[1] However, starting April 2020, the rotation schedule was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Pokémon

GO Fest 2020, Day 2
Giovanni
The Boss
VSGiovanni GO.png
#1 #2 #3
Persian Sandslash Mewtwo
July 10, 2020 onward
Giovanni
The Boss
VSGiovanni GO.png
#1 #2 #3
Persian NidokingDugtrioGarchomp Suicune
March 1 - July 11, 2020
Giovanni
The Boss
VSGiovanni GO.png
#1 #2 #3
Persian KinglerSteelixRhyperior Entei
February 2020
Giovanni
The Boss
VSGiovanni GO.png
#1 #2 #3
Persian CloysterSteelixHippowdon Raikou
January 2020
Giovanni
The Boss
VSGiovanni GO.png
#1 #2 #3
Persian CloysterKangaskhanGarchomp Moltres
November - December 2019

Giovanni used Articuno in November and Zapdos in December.

Giovanni
The Boss
VSGiovanni GO.png
#1 #2 #3
Persian DugtrioRhydonHippowdon ArticunoZapdos

Rewards

Upon defeating Giovanni, the player will be rewarded the following prize bundles:

Item Quantity
Stardust Stardust ×5,000
Three of:
Max Potion Max Potion ×4
Max Revive Max Revive ×4

Prior to July 2020, defeating Giovanni also rewarded the following:

Item Quantity
Unova Stone Unova Stone* ×1
Rare Candy Rare Candy* ×5
Fast TM Fast TM* ×1
Charged TM Charged TM* ×1

Quotes

Introduction
"I must say—I am impressed you got here."
"I am the leader of this enterprise...Giovanni!"
"Fwahahahaha!"
"How dare you?! You will pay for your insolence!"
"Your Pokémon exist for Team GO Rocket’s use."
"I commend you for standing up to me, Trainer. I trust you’ll make this worth my time."
"You are foolish to confront me, but I’m impressed by your confidence. Let’s battle."
"My goal is beyond your comprehension."
"If you insist on confronting me, you will pay the price!"
"What’s this now? I hope you are a worthy opponent."
  • GO Fest 2020
"I’m surprised you’ve been this successful, considering the foolish guidance your pathetic professor has given you."
"I’m impressed that you got by my leaders, Trainer, but nothing will prepare you for my Shadow Pokémon!"
"At first, I was impressed by your dedication, but now you’ve become a nuisance. This festival is mine."
Before battle
"Prepare yourself for a world of pain."
"Humble yourself. You are facing the world’s greatest Trainer."
"If you insist on disrupting my plans, I will insist on making you regret it."
"You have no idea who you are challenging, child."
"You underestimate Team GO Rocket. Prepare for battle."
"There is no stopping my plans."
"Two things are inevitable: my success and your failure."
"You have proven yourself by reaching me, so I shall spare you a moment of my time."
"You may have made it here, but this is as far as you’ll go."
"I’d say to prepare for battle, but you have already lost."
  • GO Fest 2020:
"I do not think you are prepared for the level of failure you are about to experience!"
"You should be afraid to battle me, especially since you are already too late to stop my take-over!"
"You will regret trying to put a dent in my perfectly executed take-over. Your Pokémon will be mine!"
Prebattle screen
"I will not tolerate your interference."
"You cannot stop me...but I’m amused by your attempt."
"Your professor has not prepared you for what is to come."
"You’ve made it this far. Let me see just how strong you are."
"You will never defeat Team GO Rocket."
Upon victory
"What an amusing Trainer."
"As expected, Team GO Rocket cannot be stopped."
"You cannot stop my master plan."
"Do not try to interfere again."
"You failed as soon as you challenged me, Trainer."
  • GO Fest 2020:
"I hope you now understand how foolish challenging me was. You will never stop Team GO Rocket."
"My incredible plan is going swimmingly. Move aside—this event is mine."
"As expected. Run back to your professor—you still have much training to do."
Upon being defeated
"What?! This can’t be!"
"Your love of Pokémon gave you the advantage...this time."
"... ... ...I shall step aside this time!"
"This defeat is meaningless. Team GO Rocket will never fall!"
"This isn’t over. We will meet on the battlefield again."
  • GO Fest 2020:
"This is not the end. I will have my revenge."
"This festival will be mine one day. You will see—this is not over."
"You have only delayed the inevitable. I will win."

In Pokémon Masters

In Pokémon Masters, Giovanni appears as the boss of Team Rocket.

Sync pairs

Sync Dex Trainer NDex Pokémon Type Weakness Role Base Potential Availability
#74 VSScottie Masters.png Giovanni #1501 MastersIcon150.png Mewtwo
2
File:2IC Masters.png
Psychic
PsychicIC Masters.png
File:Masters Ghost.png Masters Special Strike.png

Quotes

Menu interface (voice clips)
  • After being recruited
"The ultimate goal of Team Rocket is to use Pokémon to rule the world. I, Giovanni, am its leader!"
  • Sync pair viewer
"Team Rocket will never fall."
"Underestimate a man like me and you'll be in a world of pain."
  • Selection screen (forming team)
"I'll show you true power."
  • Selection screen (disbanding team)
"See you around."
  • Upon learning a new move
"Hmph... This could be useful."
  • Upon leveling-up
"It was only a matter of time."
  • Upon reaching max level
"Nothing can stop me now!"
  • Upon unlocking a new level cap
"Hmph... All according to plan."
  • During conversation
"Don't disappoint me."
"Hey."
"Listen."
  • Giving out item
"You can have this."
Battle interface (voice clips)
  • Co-op match screen
"All right."
  • VS screen
"You're in for a world of pain!"
  • Battle start
"Let's go!"
  • Using Pokémon move
"Do it."
"Now!"
  • Using Trainer move
"You're finished!"
  • Using Sync Move
"I never hold back."
  • Switching in
"Leave this to a grown-up."
  • "Nice" emote
"Well done."
  • "Watch out" emote
"Pay attention!"
  • "Let's do this" emote
"Hmm."
  • "Thanks" emote
"I should thank you."
  • Defeat
"...Huh."
  • Victory
"*snicker* A truly intense fight."
Legendary Event - Lurking Shadow
  • A New Plot
"Mewtwo... I'm going to need you to sow some chaos for me."
"*snicker*"
  • Mysterious Stones and Hidden Power
"Plotting. What else?"
"I came to see what all the commotion was about. I didn't expect a welcoming committee."
"Hm? Disbanded..."
"So this is how it's gonna be, huh? I guess I'm doomed to be a criminal no matter which world I find myself in."
"Never mind that. Funnily ennough, you and your comrades showed up at the perfect time."
"You all have sync stones, don't you—those little crystals embedded in your Poryphones?"
"I happen to be in possession of one as well... These mysterious stones can only be found in certain areas around Pasio."
"They have... piqued my interest, to say the least. Sync stones are an immense source of power, driven by the bond between Trainer and Pokémon."
"If I can learn to bend that power to my will, I'll be stronger than ever before."
"And that's not all... If I discover how to unleash the hidden power within them, I can truly rule the world."
"Heh, don't put too much thought into it. You kids wouldn't know how to use it that way anyway."
"Well? Are you here to detain me, or would you prefer to stand around and chat? Personally, I'd rather battle."
"I wonder what will happen if I use the sync stone I mined from this cave with Mewtwo..."
"Huh. Most people cower in fear when they come face-to-face with Mewtwo... Maybe I underestimated you."
"Or maybe not... Why don't you show me what you can do? I could use a laugh."
  • Unfathomable Strength
"Hmph... That was a truly intense fight."
"It really is possible for the bond of a sync pair to manifest great strength and power."
"Heh, what can I say? I'm new to battling with sync stones as you do on this island. Our last battle was a test run."
"Why don't we try again? Prepare yourselves for our next battle, and follow me if you dare!"
  • A Questionable Alliance
"Cornered by a bunch of kids, once again..."
"But you know what? Despite the bitter aftertaste of being beaten by kids like you, I..."
"Hmph. Doesn't matter."
"You demonstrated your full power to me without hesitation, and I'll admit that I'm impressed."
"And if you agree to work with me... I'd like to continue to witness that power."
"I don't blame you for being skeptical. I've always been up to no good—why should you trust me?"
"The thing is, I've been thinking about changing my ways... starting fresh here in this new part of the world called Pasio."
"I could forget about the lying and plotting and just enjoy competing in the PML with Mewtwo, fair and square... Hmph. Not a bad idea."
"I guess it's up to you kids, though. What's your decision?"
If it'll keep him from stirring up trouble...: "Heh, keep your friends close and your enemies closer, eh? Touché."
"Fine with me, as long as it means I get front-row seats to witness what becomes of you kids here on Pasio."
If he promises to stop his evil schemes...: "Listen, kid... I'm not a psychic. I can't make any promises about the future."
"But you know what they say, right? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. You want to keep me in line? Then keep me around."
"All right, I promise. After all, I want to enjoy the PML as much as you do. You can trust me on that, at least."
"Hmph. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
"Hmph... It seems I was able to infiltrate their unit successfully."
"Now I have to decide if I truly do wish to start fresh on Pasio as a sync pair..."
"or if I would rather..."
"Hmph... Either way, this should be fun."
Pokémon Center
  • Random conversation
"Hmph... Everything seems to be going according to plan..."
"Oh, it's you... Having fun eavesdropping? You must be so curious about what plans I was referring to."
"Want some advice? Keep your nose out of grown-up business, kid."
  • If spoken to again
"Want to know more about my plans, do you?"
"Hmph... What makes you think I'd tell a brat like you what I'm up to?"
"Keep poking your nose where it doesn't belong, and you'll find yourself in a world of pain, kid."
"That's the kind of world I live in. Take my advice and go back where you came from before you regret it."
  • Random conversation
"In the past, I brought various organizations under my own control to form Team Rainbow Rocket."
"But I was forced to step down thanks to a certain kid who got in my way. I'm in the middle of a new plot as we speak."
"To be honest, you remind me a lot of that kid, <player>."
  • If spoken to again
"You've managed to pique my interest, kid.
"You and your partner... You're destined to keep growing stronger, and I look forward to watching it happen."
"Even thought about utilizing al that strength and potential as my right hand?"
  • Random conversation
"My record's been clean as a whistle since I arrived on Pasio."
"Being surrounded by all this beautiful nature, watching sync pairs work together in harmony... It's put a damper on my desire to sow chaos."
"Don't believe me? Hmph... How much of what people say do you think is true anyway?"
  • If spoken to again
"If society labels someone as evil, does it mean everything that person says or does is wrong? Is that what you believe?"
"In a society like that, any minority viewpoint could easily be considered evil. Is that the world you want to live in?"
"Hmph... Sorry, that got a little deep."
  • Random conversation
"People like there to be clear lines between good and evil, right and wrong."
"When I carry out my evil schemes, some people in this world profit. Some people are helped in other ways."
"You probably think it's wrong to cause trouble for people and Pokémon in general."
"But when people wave their self-righteousness around like a giant flag, tha causes its own trouble, too."
"Right, wrong, good, evil... People think everything has to be black and white, but that's just not how it is."
  • If spoken to again
"There's one thing I do know..."
"I'm drawn to strength. I like power. And that's because neither strength nor power are inherently good or evil."
"The strong will win. It's got nothing to do with right or wrong... That's the real truth."
  • Random conversation
"Pokémon are a business enterprise. Unless both parties are profiting, nothing gets done."
"And by profit, I mean money. When it comes to business, there's no room for things like friendship or caring for one another."
"I understand where you're coming from, though. I can appreciate your viewpoint."
  • If spoken to again
"It's good that we all want different things. That's how things get done in a business."
"The world should be full of different opinions and viewpoints."
"I just wonder if you'll ever come over to my side one day."
  • Random conversation
"I'm a mean old man. I could be lying and deceiving you right now, and you wouldn't even know it."
"The world is made up of people who deceive each other every day. We lie and we get lied to. That's how it works."
"It'll all start to click for you someday when you're older, kid."
  • If spoken to again
"Not all adults are mean old liars, but there are some who are."
"But there are kids out there like that, too. The world's full of all kinds of different people."
  • Special log-in conversation
"Ah, you again."
"Keep your guard up around this place, kid. Some bad guys like me have got their eyes on you."
  • Special gift conversation
"You can have this. Hope it's useful."
"You get to figure out what to do with it on your own."
Sync Pair Story - A Day with Giovanni
"Such vastness... Humanity cannot even begin to compare to the enormity of the ocean."
"Don't you think so, too, <player>?"
"Yes, I know you're there."
"How about it? Come gaze at the ocean with me."
"... ... ..."
"Well, you're a cautious one, aren't you. Won't approach me that easily, huh?"
You're a bad person, aren't you.: "Heh. You certainly have guts, talking to me like that."
What are you scheming?: "Don't worry too much about it. I'm just enjoying the view right now."
"I understand that you don't trust me. It's not like you're hiding it."
"You're right in thinking that I'm not a good man. But I take no pleasure in hurting people for no reason."
"Especially Trainers who show so much promise, such as yourself."
"You don't have anything to worry about...for now."
What do you mean?: "Hmph. Just up to one of my sinister plans."
What are you after?: "Hmph. Just up to one of my sinister plans."
"And Mewtwo is my ultimate tool for realizing those plans."
"Ah, look at the rage in your eyes!"
"It must really bother you that I call Pokémon tools."
"I wonder how angry you would be if I were to make you and your Pokémon into accessories to my misdeeds."
"You wouldn't let that slide, would you?"
You got that right!: "I like your gusto, kid! I knew you had something special about you!"
You'd never get away with it!: "I like your gusto, kid! I knew you had something special about you!"
"I have great expectations for your future."
"The two of you will undoubtedly become strong enough to oppose me someday."
"Hmph. I look forward to that day. Will you be an obstacle that hinders me...?"
"Or maybe you'll join me and willingly become my tool."
I'd never work with you!: "Hmph. We'll see... We have plenty of time until then."
... ... ...: "Hmph. We'll see... We have plenty of time until then."
"I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your future."
"But until that day, you and I are just Trainers."
"I'll keep on exploring with you, for the time being."
"What were we talking about again? Right, gazing at the ocean."
"Take a good look while you can, kid."
"Before you know it, everything you see here will belong to me!"
"If you want to win it all back from me..."
"you'd better not hold anything back when you battle me!"
"I like those who show strength!"
"I sincerely look forward to you becoming strong enough to face me!"

Artwork

Sugimorigiovannioriginal.png Red Blue Giovanni.png FireRed LeafGreen Giovanni.png USUM Giovanni.png
Headshot from
Red and Blue
Official artwork from
Yellow
Artwork from
FireRed and LeafGreen
Artwork from
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Sprites

In the core series

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Missing overworld model from LGPE; need higher quality image from LGPE
Spr RG Giovanni.png Spr Y Giovanni.png Spr FRLG Giovanni.png Spr HGSS Giovanni.png VSGiovanni.png Spr B2W2 Giovanni.png
Sprite from
Red and Blue
Sprite from
Yellow
Sprite from
FireRed and LeafGreen
Sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver
VS sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver
Sprite from
Black 2 and
White 2
Giovanni I OD.png Giovanni III OD.png Giovanni IV OD.png Giovanni OD.png
Overworld sprite from
Generation I
Overworld sprite from
FireRed and LeafGreen
Overworld sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver
Overworld sprite from
Black 2 and
White 2
Spr USUM Giovanni.png VSGiovanni USUM.png VSGiovanni 2 USUM.png VSGiovanni PE.png
In-battle model from
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
VS model from
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Battle Agency VS model from
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
VS model from
Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Giovanni USUM OD.png
Overworld model from
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

In other games

TCG2 G47 The Boss Way.png Giovanni Stadium.png Spr GO Giovanni.png
The Boss's Way from
Pokémon Card GB2
Portrait from
Stadium
Icon from
Pokémon GO
VSGiovanni Masters.png Spr Masters Giovanni.png
VS model from
Masters
Model from
Masters

In the anime

In the main series

Main article: Giovanni (anime)

Giovanni appears in the anime as the head of Team Rocket. Unlike members of other criminal organizations, he is a recurring character in all of the series so far, usually keeping in contact with the Team Rocket trio.

In Pokémon Origins

Giovanni in Pokémon Origins

Giovanni appeared in File 3: Giovanni. Red first recalled meeting him at the Rocket Hideout. They later encountered again at Silph Co. after Team Rocket had taken over the building. Seeing Red's arrogant and determined attitude to stop Team Rocket every time, Giovanni decided to put him in his place, and battled Red's Charizard with his Nidoqueen, winning easily before escaping with a helicopter, declaring that Red could never understand what he was hoping to achieve.

Giovanni as a child

Giovanni appeared once more as the Viridian Gym Leader. Giovanni accepted his Gym challenge, but Red claimed that he would battle him as the enemy of all Pokémon, instead of a Gym Leader. Hearing this, Giovanni put aside his usual Gym Leader battling team and took out his strongest pair of Pokémon, contained within Ultra Balls. The first one was Rhyhorn, which single-handedly was able to defeat four of Red's Pokémon before drawing with his Hitmonlee. During the battle, Giovanni started actually feeling excited, and wondered why he was feeling that way. When he saw the pose Red took while sending out his Charizard, he finally remembered his childhood passion for Pokémon and battling, and wondered how he could have ever turned into a person who only treated Pokémon as tools for business. After Red's Charizard had defeated Giovanni's last Pokémon, Rhydon, Giovanni offered him the Earth Badge as a proof of his victory. Red, however, refused to take a Badge from the Boss of Team Rocket. Seeing this, Giovanni turned to his minions, informing them that from that moment onward, Team Rocket would be officially disbanded. He then turned back to Red, now offering the Badge to him not as the Boss of Team Rocket but as the Viridian City Gym Leader. Red accepted the Earth Badge and left, heading for the Pokémon League.

As his battle with Red had reminded Giovanni of how Pokémon could be taken as fun rather than business, he decided that he wanted to find a new path for himself and his Pokémon, without being the Boss of Team Rocket any longer.

Pokémon


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


On hand
Giovanni's Nidoqueen
Nidoqueen
Giovanni used Nidoqueen to battle Red's Charizard at Silph Co. and won easily.

Nidoqueen's known moves are Double Kick and Surf.

Debut File 3: Giovanni
Giovanni's Rhyhorn
Rhyhorn
Rhyhorn was the first Pokémon Giovanni used in his Gym battle against Red. It was able to defeat Red's Victreebel, Kabutops, Snorlax, and Jolteon, despite the former two having the type advantage. It finally drew with Red's Hitmonlee.

Rhyhorn's moves are Horn Attack, Take Down, Thunderbolt, and Horn Drill.

Debut File 3: Giovanni
Giovanni's Rhydon
Rhydon
Rhydon was the second Pokémon Giovanni used in his Gym battle against Red. It went up against Red's Charizard and lost after a tough fight, taken down by Charizard's Seismic Toss.

Rhydon's known moves are Mega Punch, Fury Attack, and Horn Drill.

Debut File 3: Giovanni
Status unknown
Giovanni's Charmander
Charmander
Charmander only appeared in a flashback during Giovanni's battle with Red, when Giovanni recalled the time having one in his youth.

None of Charmander's moves are known.

Debut File 3: Giovanni

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 小山力也 Rikiya Koyama
English Jamieson Price
Italian Raffaele Farina
European Spanish Richard del Olmo


In Pokémon Generations

Giovanni first appeared in The Chase. After the International Police had failed to find him during a raid at the Viridian Gym, he was seen standing on a hill near Viridian City, declaring that Team Rocket would never fall, before walking away. Along with his disapparance, rumors about Team Rocket's disbandment began circling around.

He reappeared in a flashback in The Legacy. Looker approached Giovanni's son Silver, hoping to find information on him as he had not been seen since his disappearance three years prior. However, all Silver could describe was his own last encounter with Giovanni three years ago, in which the two had a falling out that fractured their relationship.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 大塚明夫 Akio Ōtsuka
English Richard Epcar
Brazilian Portuguese Ronaldo Julio
European Spanish José García Tos


In the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer

Giovanni (center) in the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer

Giovanni, as he appears in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, briefly appeared in the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer as part of a team with Archer and Ariana.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Giovanni (Adventures)

In Pokémon Adventures, Giovanni serves much of the same role as he does in the games, although he now has Lt. Surge, Sabrina, and Koga as subordinates. However, Giovanni is much more ruthless than his other counterparts.

Giovanni as a kid in How I Became a Pokémon Card
An older Giovanni in How I Became a Pokémon Card

In the How I Became a Pokémon Card manga

Giovanni and Persian were revealed to have been together for a long time, as he rescued the Pokémon when he was a child.


Pokémon

On hand
Giovanni's Persian
Persian
Main article: Persian (Jungle 42)

Giovanni found this Persian when he was a kid.

Debut PW17
Mentioned
Giovanni's Diglett
Diglett
Giovanni's Diglett was only mentioned when it was commanded to use Sand Attack.

Diglett's only known move is Sand Attack*.

Debut PW17
Giovanni's Rhyhorn
Rhyhorn
Giovanni was about to send out Rhyhorn after recalling Diglett but he threw the Poké Ball too high.

None of Rhyhorn's moves are known.

Debut PW17

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Main article: Giovanni (Pocket Monsters)

Giovanni is the boss of Team Rocket in Pokémon Pocket Monsters.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Giovanni in Pokémon Zensho

Giovanni appears in PZ05, where he is watching Satoshi from the hidden cameras within the Silph Co. building. He orders one of his Team Rocket Grunts to try and stop Satoshi from reaching him. Two chapters later, he has taken the boss of Silph Co. hostage and threatens to harm him if he refuses to tell Giovanni where the Master Ball was. However, he is interrupted when Satoshi and Sabrina teleport their way to the top floor. Lapras uses Mist to blind Nidoqueen, but she launches a Poison Sting attack. One of the needles from the attacks hits Giovanni. Satoshi and the others manage to escape afterwards. In Viridian City, Giovanni was revealed to be the final Gym Leader that Satoshi challenges. Satoshi manages to defeat him and earns the Earth Badge.

Pokémon

Giovanni's Nidoqueen
Nidoqueen
While taking over the Silph Co., Giovanni used Nidoqueen to hold the Silph co. boss hostage.

Nidoqueen's only known move is Poison Sting.

Debut Saffron City
Giovanni's Rhydon
Rhydon
Rhydon was Satoshi's opponent for his final Gym battle. It went up against his Lapras and was defeated by his Charizard after Satoshi switched out Lapras.

Rhydon's only known move is Take Down.

Debut Viridian City
At the Pokémon Tower
Giovanni's Machamp
Machamp
Giovanni has owned this Machamp ever since he was a child. When it passed away, it turned him into a bitter person. The spirit of Machamp was called out by one of the Team Rocket grunts to deal with Satoshi. However, it was defeated by Gastly as physical attacks had no effect on the Ghost-type Pokémon.

None of Machamp's moves are known.

Debut Celadon City
Giovanni's Nidoking
Nidoking
Giovanni has owned this Nidoking ever since his childhood. He first appeared in Satoshi's flashback while Satoshi was in his house. At the Viridian Gym, Nidoking appeared in Giovanni's imagination where it was revealed that his passing during Giovanni's childhood turned him into a bitter person.

None of Nidoking's moves are known.

Debut Viridian City
Giovanni's Kangaskhan
Kangaskhan
Kangaskhan only appeared shadowed in Satoshi's imagination.

None of Kangaskhan's moves are known.

Debut Viridian City

In the TCG

Giovanni has an eponymous Theme Deck in the Gym Challenge expansion.

Artwork

GiovanniTCG1.jpg Giovannis-Last-Resort.jpg Giovannis-Way.jpg
Giovanni and the Earth Badge Giovanni sends out a Nidoking Giovanni as the Boss of Team Rocket


Cards

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

Giovanni's Pokémon
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 #
Giovanni's Gyarados Water Gym Challenge Rare Holo 5/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare Holo  
Giovanni's Machamp Fighting Gym Challenge Rare Holo 6/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare Holo  
Giovanni's Nidoking Grass Gym Challenge Rare Holo 7/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare Holo  
Giovanni's Persian Colorless Gym Challenge Rare Holo 8/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare Holo  
Giovanni's Nidoqueen Grass Gym Challenge Rare 23/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare  
Giovanni's Pinsir Grass Gym Challenge Rare 24/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare  
Giovanni's Machoke Fighting Gym Challenge Uncommon 42/132 Challenge from the Darkness Uncommon  
Giovanni's Meowth Colorless Gym Challenge Uncommon 43/132 Challenge from the Darkness Uncommon  
Giovanni's Nidorina Grass Gym Challenge Uncommon 44/132 Challenge from the Darkness Uncommon  
Giovanni's Nidorino Grass Gym Challenge Uncommon 45/132 Challenge from the Darkness Uncommon  
Giovanni's Machop Fighting Gym Challenge Common 72/132 Challenge from the Darkness Common  
Giovanni's Magikarp Water Gym Challenge Common 73/132 Challenge from the Darkness Common  
Giovanni's Meowth Colorless Gym Challenge Common 74/132 Challenge from the Darkness Common  
Giovanni's Nidoran♀ Grass Gym Challenge Common 75/132 Challenge from the Darkness Common  
Giovanni's Nidoran♂ Grass Gym Challenge Common 76/132 Challenge from the Darkness Common  
Giovanni's Nidoking Grass       Unnumbered Promotional cards    
Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Rocket Lightning       SM-P Promotional cards   191/SM-P
Diglett Fighting Unbroken Bonds Common 85/214 Double Blaze C 043/095
Rhydon Fighting Unbroken Bonds Uncommon 94/214 Double Blaze C 049/095
Other related cards
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
The Boss's Way T Team Rocket Uncommon 73/82 Rocket Gang Uncommon  
Legendary Collection Uncommon 105/110      
Giovanni T Gym Challenge Rare Holo 18/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare Holo  
Gym Challenge Rare 104/132      
Giovanni's Last Resort T Gym Challenge Rare 105/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare  
Viridian City Gym T [St] Gym Challenge Uncommon 123/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare  
Giovanni's Scheme Su BREAKthrough Uncommon 138/162 Red Flash U 058/059
BREAKthrough Rare Ultra 162/162 Red Flash SR 064/059
      Premium Champion Pack   121/131
      XY-P Promotional cards   277/XY-P
Gym Badge I XY Black Star Promos   XY210 XY-P Promotional cards    
Giovanni's Exile Su Unbroken Bonds Uncommon 174/214 Double Blaze U 085/095
Hidden Fates Rare Ultra 67/68 Double Blaze SR 105/095
Hidden Fates Uncommon 57/68      
      Tag All Stars   151/173
Boss's Orders Giovanni Su Rebel Clash Rare Holo 154/192 Rebellion Crash R 092/096
Rebel Clash Rare Ultra 189/192 Rebellion Crash SR 106/096
Rebel Clash Rare Secret 200/192 Rebellion Crash HR 112/096
 


Trivia

  • Giovanni is the only Gym Leader in the games to appear outside of his Gym in Generation I, a feature that would become more and more common up to Generation IV, during and after which all Gym Leaders in the featured regions appear outside of their Gym in one way or another.
    • He is also the only Gym Leader not to use the "A Trainer Appears (Boy Version)" song.
  • In the English version of Pokémon Stadium, his name is misspelled "Giovani" (with one n). This is because the space for Trainer names only allows seven characters, whilst Giovanni's name has eight.
  • In the official Red and Blue guide from Nintendo Power, Giovanni was labelled to be a regional boss of Team Rocket (implying he's not the absolute leader). This was invalidated in Gold, Silver, and Crystal, where it was made clear that Giovanni was the absolute leader of Team Rocket (even having an office in Johto).
  • Giovanni is likely based on the boss of a Yakuza faction, possibly more on the bakuto factions than others, considering Team Rocket's former ownership of the Celadon Game Corner. Outside of Japan, this reference is localized, making him more akin to a Mafia boss (especially considering his English name being Italian in origin).
  • In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Giovanni and Norman are tied for using more different species of Pokémon than any other Gym Leader at the Pokémon World Tournament, with a total of 10.
  • In Pokémon Yellow, he is the only Gym Leader who uses a Pokémon not of the type he specializes in during Gym battles.
  • In his official Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon artwork, Giovanni has the same pose as Mega Mewtwo X in its official artwork, just mirrored.
  • Artwork made by Ken Sugimori suggests that Giovanni was not originally going to be the Gym Leader of Viridian City.[2]
  • Giovanni debuted in Pokémon GO as a GO Snapshot photobomb at Pokémon GO Fest in Yokohama.
  • The teaser trailer for the debut of Team GO Rocket in GO contains the line "Earth is where I shall unleash my evil schemes next!" This is a reference to Giovanni's final line in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, in which he ponders "Now...what new world shall I unleash my evil schemes upon...?" before warping away from Aether Paradise.

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese サカキ Sakaki From 榊 sakaki, a sacred tree in Shinto which resembles the Earth Badge. Also from 坂 / 阪 saka, slope.
English, French, German,
Italian, Spanish, Brazilian
Portuguese
Giovanni From Italian Giovanni, equivalent to John, gift from God; gio is also a homophone of geo, from Greek γῆ , earth.
The Italian origin of his name may also be a play on his resemblance to a Mafia boss in control of his mob.
Korean 비주기 Bijugi From 비쭈기나무 bijjuginamu (sakaki)
Chinese (Mandarin) 坂木 Bǎnmù* From the Japanese name 坂木 / 阪木 Sakaki. The characters 坂 and 阪 both means "slope," with the former containing the radical (earth).
阪木 Bǎnmù*
板木 Bǎnmù* Similar to his other names. May be taken from 老板 lǎo​bǎn (boss).
Chinese (Cantonese) 阪木 Báanmuhk* From the Japanese name 阪木 / 坂木 Sakaki. The characters 阪 and 坂 both means "slope," with the latter containing the radicaltóu (earth).
坂木 Báanmuhk*
沙加 Sāgā* Partial transliteration of Sakaki. Also contains 沙 (sand).
Russian Джованни Dzhovanni Transcription of his English name.
Thai ซากากิ Sakaki*
ซาคากิ Sakaki*
Transliteration of his Japanese name.
Vietnamese Sakaki Transliteration of his Japanese name.

BossFRLG/Rocket BossHGSS/Team Rocket BossPE

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 火箭隊老大 Fójin Déui Lóuhdaaih
Mandarin 火箭隊老大 / 火箭队老大 Huǒjiàn Duì Lǎodà
Finland Flag.png Finnish Pomo
France Flag.png French Boss Team RocketPE
Boss RocketHGSS
BossFRLG
Germany Flag.png German Rocket-BossPE
Rocket BossHGSS
BossFRLG
Italy Flag.png Italian Capo del Team RocketPE
Capo RocketHGSS
CapoFRLG
South Korea Flag.png Korean 로켓단보스 Rocket-dan Boss
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Chefe
Spain Flag.png Spanish Jefe del Team RocketPE
Jefe RocketHGSS
JefeFRLG

Related articles

References



Project CharacterDex logo.png 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.