The original Japanese television programme adapted into the British series Dragons' Den was Money Tigers.
Money Tigers was a Japanese business programme in which entrepreneurs presented proposals to potential investors. Its central idea—publicly negotiating investment and ownership—was adapted for audiences in several countries, with each version receiving its own title and local investor panel.
The British adaptation uses “dragons” rather than “tigers” for its investors, but the underlying structure remains similar. Entrepreneurs explain their idea, state how much money they want and offer a share of their business. The investors can question the proposal, make competing offers or decline altogether.
The format’s international success produced versions in countries including Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. It is also related in concept to Shark Tank, although that American programme is a separate national adaptation. The Japanese origin is an important distinction because the British programme is not an entirely original BBC format.