The Japanese business show Money no Tora, the source of Dragon's Den, began in 2001.
Money no Tora was a Japanese reality programme in which entrepreneurs presented business proposals to wealthy investors. Its title is commonly translated as Money Tigers, and its pitch format supplied the central concept later adapted by broadcasters in other countries.
The British Dragon's Den followed in 2005, several years after the Japanese original began. This difference explains why 2001 and 2005 are both prominent dates in histories of the format: the first is associated with Money no Tora, while the second marks the British programme’s launch.
Money no Tora should not be confused with the American Shark Tank, which is another adaptation rather than the original source. The international versions changed the names, panelists and presentation style, but retained the central negotiation between entrepreneurs and investors.