Chika Honda was born in Kanagawa, Japan in 1956. Before coming to Australia in 1992, she was working as a waitress in a pub in Omiya, whilst studying to become a makeup artist. Invited by one of her regular customers at her work, Chika Honda joined a tour group to holiday in Australia. During a stop over in Malaysia, her suitcase was stolen, and was replaced by a local tour guide. When she arrived in Melbourne airport, she was arrested, charged, and convicted for importation of heroin. This case later became known as 'The Melbourne Case.'

Chika Honda has maintained her innnocence of the crime she was convicted of. Whilst serving her jail sentence, she became a Christian. She was released on parole in 2002 and was deported.

Chika Honda currently lives and works as a waitress in Omiya. Japan. Her lawyers have written to the United Nations Human Rights Commission and are preparing an application for pardon.