Money Tigers was the Japanese television format that inspired Britain's Dragon's Den.
The Japanese programme, known as Money Tigers, established the core format later adapted for the British audience: entrepreneurs make business proposals to wealthy investors and negotiate over funding and ownership. The British title changed the animal metaphor from tigers to dragons while preserving the central investment contest.
The format travelled internationally because its structure is easy to understand and creates clear stakes. A founder wants capital, the investors want a potentially valuable share, and the negotiation reveals how each side judges risk, evidence and business potential. Local versions can change the cast, language and production style while retaining those basic rules.
The Japanese origin is sometimes overlooked because the British series became particularly prominent and spawned many international adaptations. Money Tigers is therefore the specific source format, not merely a generic description of business reality television.