Money Tigers was the Japanese television programme that originated the Dragons' Den format.
The concept began in Japan before being adapted for other countries. In the format, entrepreneurs present business proposals to a group of wealthy investors, who question the founders and decide whether to offer money for an ownership stake.
The British series retained the basic structure while giving it a distinctive name and local presentation. The investors became known as Dragons, and the phrase “I’m out” became closely associated with rejecting a pitch. Different adaptations use different titles, currencies and panel members, but the negotiation framework remains recognisable.
Money Tigers is sometimes confused with the names of later international versions. “Dragons' Den” is the British title, while “Shark Tank” is the better-known American adaptation; neither is the original Japanese programme name.