Nippon TV created the original Japanese business-pitch format adapted into Britain's Dragon's Den.
The format originated with Nippon Television Network Corporation in Japan. Its programme Money Tigers established the key structure: entrepreneurs present businesses to wealthy investors, answer detailed questions and negotiate possible funding for equity.
That structure was later licensed and adapted for broadcasters in other countries. The British production retained the basic investment contest but localized the investors, terminology and presentation style. In the United Kingdom, the investors became Dragons rather than Tigers, creating the title used by the BBC series.
The format is sometimes attributed to the broadcaster that made a local version, but creation and adaptation are different roles. The BBC produced the British programme, while Nippon TV is credited with originating the underlying television format.