Shiki Fukuda was born in Bungotakada, Ōita Prefecture, Japan, on 1 September 1908. At some point, she got married and, due to her husband’s work, lived in Taiwan for some time. Before the end of World War II, she returned to Japan with her family, and they lived in Kitsuki, Ōita Prefecture. Her husband passed away of an illness when Fukuda was 38. She was left to raise their five daughters while continuing to teach in elementary school.

Until she was 103, she continued to cultivate vegetables in the field. She entered a nursing home at the age of 107. At the age of 109, she was still able to dress herself without assistance. She was physically active every day, and only ate until she was 80 percent full – claiming how it was one of the secrets of her longevity and health. She was able to push her walker and walk until an injury cracked a bone in her leg. By the time she was 111, she was still active, always practicing in recreational activities at the nursing home, and going out with her family to a nearby park in her wheelchair.

Fukuda passed away in Ōita, Ōita Prefecture, Japan, on 6 April 2020, at the age of 111.