Heartwarming / Shirobako

• The level of friendship the five main characters enjoy. Even years after graduating high school and after experiencing the difficult times associated with working in the anime industry, they're still close to each other and working toward their dream.
• Aoi's older sister Kaori has a rough life in her Office Lady job, but nevertheless doesn't let on that times are hard for her, and happily treats Aoi and her friends on her own dime.
• Iguchi taking the time to help Ema out of her rut after Segawa criticizes her rushed key frames, thereby helping give Ema the necessary inspiration to improve.
• Aoi thanks Shigeru for his involvement in Andes and Chucky since it inspired her to join the anime industry.
• Ogasawara calling out Watanabe and Kinoshita for putting too much pressure on Iguchi, then taking Iguchi to the batting range and sharing about her early career with her.
• The friendship between Tarou and Hiraoka. Neither of the two are exactly popular among the rest of MusAni, but Tarou's genuine efforts to befriend Hiraoka are probably the most selfless he's been in the entire story, and quite possibly convince Hiraoka not to quit the company.
  • Hiraoka seems genuinely touched when a (very drunk) Tarou gives him a "letter of commendation" (a napkin) for all his hard work at his previous places of employment that either went unappreciated or was messed up by Jerkass or irresponsible co-workers
• In Episode 22, Ema, after overcoming her self-confidence issues to take on the key animation for the final episode, tells her mother that she's confident she can make a living from animating.
• In Episode 23, Shizuka finally gets a significant role, and at the company where her other friends are working, no less.
• In Episode 24, Aoi calls the rest of the production staff to inform them that the Third Aerial Girls Squad final episode is finished, and almost immediately hears cheering on the other end, followed by Iguchi thanking her.