Japan inspired the format adapted as the British television series Dragons' Den.
The original Japanese programme was Money Tigers, known in Japan as Money no Tora. Its premise placed entrepreneurs before successful business people who could offer money in return for an ownership share. That structure became the foundation for Dragons' Den and later international adaptations.
The British version keeps the central format while adapting the investors, language, currency, and business environment for a UK audience. The name Dragons' Den refers to the intimidating group of investors, rather than to a literal fantasy setting or a British historical tradition.
The format is often confused with Shark Tank because both programmes feature entrepreneurs pitching to wealthy investors. Shark Tank is the United States version, whereas Dragons' Den is the title used in the United Kingdom and several other territories. The Japanese origin explains why many countries have their own differently named versions of the same format.