"Loli" is a term that originates from Japanese culture, often used to describe a young girl, typically prepubescent or early pubescent. The word comes from "Lolita," which itself is derived from the novel *Lolita* by Vladimir Nabokov. In modern usage, especially in anime, manga, and related subcultures, "loli" refers to characters who have a youthful, innocent appearance and are often portrayed with childlike traits. It's important to note that the use of this term can vary depending on cultural context and should be used appropriately and respectfully.

The term "loli" (Loli), originates from the novel *Lolita* written in 1955 by Russian-American novelist Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977). The novel tells the story of a university professor who falls in love with a 12-year-old girl. It was later adapted into the film *Lolita*. The book was controversial and banned in some places at the time, but it has since become a classic of literature and was ranked as the fourth best English-language novel of the 20th century by Random House in the United States. It was also adapted into the movie *Lolita* (*A Branch of Pear Blossoms Presses Against the Paulownia*), where the girl is set to be 15 years old. Since then, anyone with characteristics similar to the protagonist of this story is called "lolita" or "loli," which translates to "Loli" in Chinese.

The first loli character to gain significant attention in the animation world was Rei Ayanami from *Neon Genesis Evangelion*. Although the production team and director Hideaki Anno did not intentionally design Rei Ayanami as a loli character, she fully meets the conditions of a loli. As Rei Ayanami's charm captivated countless young men, the concept of loli officially appeared in the animation world. Therefore, Rei Ayanami is regarded as the "Ancestor of Loli."