セカスト

• Reading: セカスト
• Romaji: sekasuto
• Kanji breakdown: From セカンド (second) + ストリート (street) → abbreviated to セカスト
• Pronunciation: /se.ka.su.to/

Meaning

Abbreviation of 2nd STREET (セカンドストリート), a popular secondhand shop chain in Japan.

セカスト is the standard abbreviation for セカンドストリート (2nd STREET), a major secondhand clothing and goods chain operated by GEO Corporation. The chain is popular for buying and selling used fashion, furniture, and electronics at reasonable prices. With the growing popularity of sustainable fashion and thrifting in Japan, セカスト has become an increasingly common topic in conversation, especially among younger consumers.

Examples

1. セカストでブランド物が半額で売ってた。 I found brand-name stuff at half price at Sekasuto.
2. 着なくなった服セカストに持っていこう。 Let's take the clothes we don't wear anymore to Sekasuto.
3. セカストの古着コーナーが意外と充実してる。 The vintage clothing section at Sekasuto is surprisingly well-stocked.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, friends, daily conversation

Tone: casual, practical

Do Say

• セカストでバイトしてるんだ。 (I work part-time at 2nd STREET.)
• セカストに掘り出し物あるかも。 (There might be hidden gems at 2nd STREET.)

Don't Say

• セカストを知らない人に説明なしで使う (If someone doesn't know the chain, say セカンドストリート first)

Common Mistakes

• Assuming everyone knows セカスト — the abbreviation is mostly used by people familiar with the chain
• Confusing with other secondhand shops like ブックオフ or ハードオフ — セカスト specifically means 2nd STREET

Origin & History

Abbreviated from セカンドストリート (sekando sutorīto, '2nd STREET'), a secondhand goods chain. The abbreviation became common as the chain expanded nationwide and secondhand shopping gained popularity in the 2010s-2020s.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s-2020s, as secondhand shopping became trendy

Generation: Millennials and Gen Z

Social background: Fashion-conscious and budget-conscious consumers

Regional notes: Used across Japan. The chain has over 800 locations and is especially popular in suburban areas.