Which Japanese television programme originally inspired the Dragon's Den format?

Money Tigers originally inspired the Dragon's Den format.

The Japanese programme Money Tigers was created by Nippon Television. It established the central structure later used by Dragon's Den: entrepreneurs present business proposals to wealthy investors and negotiate for money in exchange for a stake in their companies.

The British adaptation changed the language and visual identity. Its investors became Dragons, and the title referred to the intimidating atmosphere of presenting in front of powerful financiers. The format was later adapted in many countries, including the United States, where it became known as Shark Tank.

Money Tigers is sometimes confused with Shark Tank because both are internationally famous versions of the same broad format. Shark Tank is not the original source named for the British programme; it is a later American adaptation. The Japanese origin explains why different countries use different animal imagery and programme titles.