Dobey missed two darts for the fourth set, both at double 16, and while he needed all three Taylor was ultimately able to hit the same target to force a deciding leg in which he was to throw first.
At last, Taylor was able to produce high-quality darts, eventually taking out 44 back on double 16 after a single 12, with Dobey waiting on 36 should he have failed to.
Taylor averaged 96.33 and hit 11 of his 25 attempts at double as he avoided what would have been his first opening-round exit at World Championship level.
He was at least made to fight by the Japanese though. Asada led the second set 2-1 and was 2-0 up in the third before succumbing to a form player who goes through to meet either Michael Smith or Steve Lennon
Asada had earlier used his experience advantage to use to beat Gordon Mathers in their preliminary match.