If you have a good camera, focus it close up so we can get a good look! Thanks. In these pictures, I can not tell, but it is possible!
I had a similar issue when I got a maple ken from Sol Kendamas (anyone who knows me knows my love for Sol). Was pretty upset about it, but a lot can happen between it being shipped out to it making its way to your mailbox. Tossed around, temp changes, may/may not really be the cause but you never know.
Slightly better picture. It's those little holes I'm worried about. I'm not sure if it is grain or a crack.