The Japanese television show whose format inspired the UK series Dragon's Den was Money Tigers.
Money Tigers was the original Japanese business-pitching format on which the British programme was based. Entrepreneurs presented business ideas to wealthy investors and sought funding in exchange for a share of their company.
The format was later adapted in several countries. In the United Kingdom, the show became Dragon's Den, while the American adaptation is known as Shark Tank. These versions share the central idea of entrepreneurs pitching directly to a panel of potential investors.
A common mix-up is to identify Dragon's Den as an entirely British invention. The British programme is a local adaptation, although its title, panel structure and presentation style became highly distinctive. The Japanese title uses “Tigers” rather than “Dragons” for its investors.