Nippon TV created the Japanese television format that became the British show Dragon's Den.
The format began in Japan under the title Money Tigers, or Tigers of Money, and was developed by Nippon Television Network Corporation, commonly called Nippon TV. Entrepreneurs appeared before potential investors and sought financial backing for their ventures.
The format was subsequently adapted in multiple territories. In the United Kingdom, the programme became Dragon's Den, while the name Dragons' Den is also used by several other national versions. The core structure remains recognisable: a founder presents a proposal, the investors question the evidence, and negotiations may follow.
A common mix-up is attributing the format to a British production company because the UK version became especially well known. The underlying television concept, however, was created in Japan by Nippon TV.