Given that no more than approximately one per cent of the Japanese population are Christian, this exemption vis-à-vis other member fraternities has often been interpreted as an essential prerequisite for AV Edo-Rhenania’s subsequent growth.
[9][10][11] Since its foundation in 1963, AV Edo-Rhenania has actively promoted German-Japanese relations by – among other things – granting scholarships to Japanese collegiate students bound for exchanges to German-language universities, hosting trips to Europe for its members, and organizing German speech contests.
This refers to the formalized execution of the event; guest speakers and members alike might still use Japanese for presentations or informal salutations.
AV Edo-Rhenania uses the same array of predominantly German and Latin songs at its events as is common among fraternities in Central Europe.
Commonly, after their induction, members of AV Edo-Rhenania remain Fuxen for two semesters, during which they are familiarized with the history, traditions, and rules of the fraternity.
Upon completion of this one-year trial period, Fuxen take an oral exam to determine whether they have attained the necessary knowledge and skills to become a regular member.
On condition that they pass, they become Burschen, who bear the full rights and responsibilities associated with membership in the fraternity.
Among many other items, they are represented in the fraternity's crest, formal uniform, and flag, as well as in the sashes worn by full members.
The hymns were created in this way so members of other fraternities could sing along during the last verse, as is common practice when multiple Studentenverbindungen meet.
[16] Though at the time not yet a fraternity, AV Edo-Rhenania’s precursor, the Japanese Association of Catholic Students, is considered a founding member.
Upon its transformation into a fully operational fraternity in 1963, it joined the Albertusring under its new name AV Edo-Rhenania zu Tokio as a member of equal rank.
Apart from its members that are Studentenverbindungen, the Albertusring counts among its ranks student associations in France, Belgium, and Portugal.
[17] The Albertusring is named after the Colognian scholar and bishop Albertus Magnus, who is the patron saint of academia.