In the BBC series Dragon's Den, which Japanese programme originated the format?

Dragon's Den originated from the Japanese television programme Money Tigers.

Money Tigers established the core format: entrepreneurs present a business proposal to a panel of potential investors, who decide whether the opportunity deserves their money. The concept was later adapted in many countries, including the United Kingdom, where the investors became known as dragons.

The Japanese origin is easy to miss because the British programme developed its own visual style, presenters and panel. The best-known international cousin is Shark Tank, but Shark Tank is an adaptation in the same broader franchise rather than the original source programme.

The format’s appeal comes from its direct negotiation. Entrepreneurs must explain valuation, sales and ownership clearly, and investors can make offers, reject a pitch or compete with one another for a deal.