Java has the ability to connect to and query a database provided you have the proper driver for that database platform. I've personally only done this with DB2. Here is an example I googled that shows an applet connecting to and querying an
Oracle database
So provided there is a
driver for MySql then you should be able to connect and query your database.
And a nice article on how to set up and use, with sample java source code near the bottom of the
page.
I'll be honest, I don't know whether the driver needs to be installed Client side or Server side or both. However, since it's an applet that's not running on client machines, I think you'll be ok.
Greetings
Eric