Empirical work on criminological theories in Asia has been increasing. However,few comprehensive and systematic reviews on the application of criminological theories inAsia have been conducted. Using a systematic quantitative literature review method on peer-reviewed English-language journal articles, we aim to provide an overview of the use of fivemajor criminological theories in Asia: (1) strain; (2) social learning; (3) control; (4) routineactivity; and (5) developmental and life-course. In particular, we address the following fourquestions: (1) how often are these theories tested in which region of Asia?; (2) whatmethodology is used to test these theories?; (3) to what extent are these theories supportedin the Asian context?; and (4) what cultural uniqueness in the Asian context is taken intoaccount in testing these theories, and what role and effect do they play in analysis andoutcome? Findings indicate that the relationship between these theories and the Asianregions is skewed; many studies do not employ rigorous methodologies; these theories areeither fully or partially supported in the Asian context; and only a few studies have analyzedthe cultural uniqueness of the Asian context, and no effect of cultural uniqueness of the Asiancontext was found. Research implications for developing criminology in Asia are discusmpirical work on criminological theories in Asia has been increasing. However,few comprehensive and systematic reviews on the application of criminological theories inAsia have been conducted. Using a systematic quantitative literature review method on peer-reviewed English-language journal articles, we aim to provide an overview of the use of fivemajor criminological theories in Asia: (1) strain; (2) social learning; (3) control; (4) routineactivity; and (5) developmental and life-course. In particular, we address the following fourquestions: (1) how often are these theories tested in which region of Asia?; (2) whatmethodology is used to test these theories?; (3) to what extent are these theories supportedin the Asian context?; and (4) what cultural uniqueness in the Asian context is taken intoaccount in testing these theories, and what role and effect do they play in analysis andoutcome? Findings indicate that the relationship between these theories and the Asianregions is skewed; many studies do not employ rigorous methodologies; these theories areeither fully or partially supported in the Asian context; and only a few studies have analyzedthe cultural uniqueness of the Asian context, and no effect of cultural uniqueness of the Asiancontext was found. Research implications for developing criminology in Asia are discussed