Money Tigers was the Japanese business show that inspired the UK series Dragon's Den.
The Japanese programme, known as Money Tigers, established the core idea later used by Dragon's Den: entrepreneurs present businesses to a panel of wealthy investors and request funding in return for equity. The format was subsequently adapted for television audiences in several countries.
The British title changed the animal imagery from tigers to dragons, but the basic investment structure remained recognisable. Contestants still need to explain their product, sales, valuation and proposed deal under intense questioning.
Money Tigers should not be confused with the US programme Shark Tank. Shark Tank is another adaptation of the same international format family, while Dragon's Den is the title used by the British and several other versions. The Japanese origin explains why the UK show belongs to a global franchise rather than being an entirely original BBC concept.