Mizuho
Mizuho is a Japanese shard and is named after an ancient name for Japan which also meant "beautiful water". It was the 23rd shard and the 9th one based in Asia.
Mizuho opened April 29, 2001 for three days of testing after which it was to be wiped clean and re-opened officially. The test period was shortened to two days and Mizuho opened a day early, on June 30, 2001, initially to Japanese-region players only. The shard was completely overrun with players and was full by May 1, 2001. After the initial rush, Mizuho was opened to all players worldwide on June 28, 2001.